Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Juan Cuadrado and Cristiano Ronaldo

By Nick Akerman, Featured Columnist 

Sep 17, 2014

 Reported Manchester United target Juan Cuadrado is ready to pen a new deal with Fiorentina, despite a delay in negotiations, according to the Italian press.

Cuadrado was one of many stars to be linked with a summer switch to Old Trafford, per Joe Strange of the Daily Mail, after his impressive World Cup showing with Colombia. Although Joe Short of the Express noted Barcelona were also keen on the versatile winger,Fiorentina were unable to attract a bid that satisfied their reported£40 million valuation of the player, as highlighted by Mundo Deportivo(h/t Daily Mail).

Italian football journalist Gianluca Di Marzio claimed Cuadrado is now ready to commit his long-term future to the club he joined in 2012. He suggests that, while Fiorentina representatives and the player postponed their initial meeting, a deal should be struck soon:

Both parts wanted to meet yesterday, but they changed their mind and will be meeting over the next days. On the table, there is a possible extension of the contract with a salary increase, which should be closer to [Mario] Gomez’s, now the highest paid player in the club. Just a signature missing, before the extension takes place.

Once the recent transfer window ended,Cuadrado admitted talks with United and Barcelona, as reported by Chris Davie of Goal.com. "We had spoken with them [Manchester United and Barcelona] but the truth is that I've always remained calm. I'm happy to stay another season, I'm fine here."

While the player refrained from publicly pushing for a move, the Viola needed to cash in on him during the summer to receive top dollar.Cuadrado's energy, work rate and creativity lit up the World Cup alongside James Rodriguez, but Fiorentina were unable to cash in before tournament fever subsided.

Although their aforementioned asking price was always going to be too much, Cuadrado's ability to play on the wing, through the centre or in a full-back role makes him a tempting proposition. Fiorentinamay be pushing a new deal so they can insert a hefty buyout clause into Cuadrado's contract, thus giving themselves a decent chance of receiving the kind of money they crave for him.

Gabriel Pecot/Associated Press

United fans won't be too disheartened by Cuadrado's likely committal to the Serie A club, especially considering the new stars on offer at the Theatre of Dreams. Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly being lined up to join summer acquisitions Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao, Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo, Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw, per Sky Sports' GuillemBalague.

The B/R UK guest columnist believes "everything is in place" for Ronaldo to seal a return from Real Madrid to United, although it is suggested the Red Devils will need to pay extortionate wages to land the Portuguese icon, per Bild (h/t BBC Sport):

United supporters' main worry right now will be establishing a run of form before the January transfer window opens. Victory over Queens Park Rangers provided a much-needed boost but progress will be severely hampered if United fail to beat Leicester on Sunday.

Cuadrado could be added as a squad player and would provide Louis van Gaal with ample tactical opportunities, but if Ronaldo is to become available, United would be wise to focus their efforts on the former Sporting Lisbon star.

Ronaldo's return would lay down the perfect marker for the club's future ambitions. His reappearance in red could also aid the side's rejuvenation along the route to success, which is likely to rapidly twist and turn as the new group beds in.