ACF Fiorentina winger Juan Cuadrado has dismissed reports suggesting Barcelona have been in contact with him regarding a potential move to Spain in January, talkSPORT understands.
The Colombia international, 25, joined Fiorentina from Udinese for an undisclosed fee following a successful season-long loan at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in the summer.
Cuadrado has been absolutely brilliant for the Viola this season, having tallied four goals and five assists in 16 appearances across all competitions.
As a result, the 25-year-old — currently valued at around €25 million — is attracting interest from a host of European clubs, including the likes of Arsenal, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Juventus, but no concrete offers have arrived from Catalunya.
“There have been no contacts with Barcelona, but I’m working to improve myself and play for a big club,” the Colombian winger told Spanish newspaper El 9 Esportiu.
“However, my mind is with Fiorentina, a club where I am fine. Barcelona are one of the clubs I follow the most because I like their style of play. Even at Fiorentina, possession is our strong point.”
Cuadrado and co. are set to clash with unbeaten A.S. Roma at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday, 8 December 2013.
A.S. Roma (10/11); Fiorentina (3/1); Draw (5/2
Blackett extends Blackpool loan
Manchester United left-back Tyler Blackett has extended his loan spell at Bloomfield Road until 1 January 2014, according to the club’s official website, Blackpoolfc.co.uk.
The England youth international, 19, started and played all 90 minutes on three occasions for the Seasiders last month.
“The kid has done well,” said manager Paul Ince.
“He’s only 19 but I think the last game and the game before he grew into his role. I think he’ll only get better. He’s better off playing in this environment and learning his trade.”
With Blackett on the pitch, Blackpool posted a 2-1-0 record, while conceding just one goal in 270+ minutes.
In contrast, the Seasiders are 0-0-2, against Ipswich and Yeovil, when Blackett does not feature in the starting XI.
The highly-rated 19-year-old, who has tallied one assist in three appearances in the Championship, last played against Sheffield Wednesday on 30 November.
Ancelotti rules out Morata loan
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has ruled out the possibility of Alvaro Morata being loaned out when the transfer window re-opens in the New Year.
Morata, who has been linked with Arsenal and Tottenham in recent times, has made 10 league appearances, albeit just one start, for Los Blancos in 2013/14, scoring two goals.
The Spain Under-21 star and Jesé Rodríguez Ruiz remain much-needed insurance policies for Karim Benzema.
“I say, some clubs are interested but the subject is closed,” Ancelotti told Spanish radio station Esradio.
“Morata remains with us because we need a footballer like him at Real Madrid this season.
“Although he has not played many matches this season I have confidence in his work for the team.”
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
