Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Montella: Chelsea Cuadrado offer too good to refuse

Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella has said his farewell to imminent Chelsea signing Juan Cuadrado.

Montella says Chelsea's offer was "too good to refuse".

“Honestly, it was something that had to be done,” Montella said.

“As a Coach I’m disappointed, but on a pragmatic level the fee is so high that it’s worth it.

“It’s nobody’s fault, we must absolutely not be distracted, and offer excuses, we must be supremely focused.

“He [Cuadrado] always demonstrated the utmost professionalism, and joy in playing. I’m happy for him, because he’s gone to play in a very good team.

“At the moment I’m a bit sad, there are more resources in other Leagues, that’s a fact. Our [Italian football’s] appeal is diminished.

“We’re getting a player in Salah who will have to adapt to our football, this is a League that’s different from the Swiss and the English.

“Cuadrado can also play in more positions than he can. He’ll serve as an understudy to Joaquin in a 3-5-2, unless we change the formation, but it would be a shame to do that.

“He’s a player who offers guarantees in attack as part of a 4-3-3, or as a second striker. He’s a top player though.

“I hope we can find a place for him in our five-man midfield, but it’s hard to be on the same level as Cuadrado.”

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Real Madrid No 2 Clement ponders bid for Man Utd keeper De Gea

Real Madrid No2 Paul Clement is coy over their pursuit of Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea.

Real are being linked with a big money bid for the United keeper.

Clement told the London Evening Standard: "Real Madrid are always going to be linked with some of the best players and also some of the best emerging young talents.

"My understanding at the moment is that the club and manager's very happy with squad of players - we haven't got a big squad. But it is a squad packed with quality and there are no current plans for ins and outs."

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Schurrle agree personally teams with Wolfsburg

The agent of Chelsea winger Andre Schurrle has confirmed he's agreed personal terms with Wolfsburg.

Schurrle is being sold to Wolfsburg in order to fund Chelsea's swoop for Fiorentina winger Juan Cuadrado.

The German's agent, Ingo Haspel said the move should go through today.

He added: "There are still a few things to discuss, but we're no longer talking about figures."

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Chelsea legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink defend Diego Costa

Chelsea legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has jumped to the defence of Diego Costa.

The Spaniard, 26, was banned for three matches today for stamping on Liverpool's Emre Can in the second leg of the Capital One Cup semi-final on Tuesday.

Hasselbaink told talkSPORT: "I don't think it was a stamp because it went too fluently and his focus was only on the ball.

"Normally when you stamp on somebody you have a look that you want to hurt somebody and he didn’t have that.

"I know Costa is always playing on the edge, but I like that in him, and I have to give him the benefit of the doubt on this one.

"Do I agree with everything Costa does? No, but I like his style and I like how he plays on the edge. Sometimes he goes a bit overboard but, as a manager now, I would take somebody with that kind of commitment. I don’t think he wanted to hurt Can on purpose."

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Chelsea v Man City: 'Hart has come back to real form'

The encounter between Chelsea and Manchester City this weekend promises to be a fascinating contest between the two best teams in the Barclays Premier League. As we look forward to the showdown at Stamford Bridge, every day this week premierleague.com will be taking a closer look at the main protagonists in this top-of-the-table duel.

Today we compare the attributes of two of the league's best goalkeepers, Thibaut Courtois and Joe Hart. There is little to choose between the two, who have each played a significant part in helping their sides to contend for the title, keeping seven clean sheets each and Hart conceding one goal fewer than Courtois.

The Chelsea goalkeeper has taken to the Barclays Premier League with aplomb, commanding the penalty area with an authority that belies his 22 years and helping his side achieve the second-best defensive record in the English top flight after Southampton.

The Belgian is superb at claiming crosses, as reflected by his 41 catches, the third most in the division, compared with Joe Hart's 28 and he has yet to drop a single ball, as opposed to Hart, who has spilled the ball twice.

COURTOIS V HART
Courtois		Hart
22	Age	27
19	Appearances	20
19	Goals conceded	18
7	Clean sheets	7
66.1%	Save %	71.0%
50%	Save % (in box)	60.9%
87.5%	Save % (outside box)	100%
37	Saves	44
16	Saves (shots in box)	28
21	Saves (shouts outside box)	16
0/1	Penalty saves	1/2
41	Catches	28
5	Punches	21
0	Drops	2

However, England's No 1 takes a different approach to dealing with centres, preferring to use his fists to clear the ball. Indeed Hart has managed 21 punches this season, which is not just a BPL best but ranks him third in Europe's top five leagues in that category.

Man City's goalkeeper has not enjoyed as much protection as his Chelsea counterpart, having faced 217 shots to Courtois's 189 and has had to make eight more saves than the former Atletico Madrid loanee, including one from the penalty spot. Hart has also yet to be beaten by a shot from outside the area.

"Joe Hart has come back to real form this season," said Kevin Kilbane, the former Everton midfielder. "I've witnessed some outstanding individual performances from him this season. He’s been required to make more saves because of the way Man City play.

"Courtois plays behind a very tight unit. It's probably easier for him at times because he doesn't have as many shots to save but I love the way Courtois commands his area. If crosses come in and the defence miss them, he comes out and invariably takes them. For a player in his first season in the Premier League he has adapted incredibly well. He has really grasped the nettle."

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Man Utd make first January signing

Manchester United have announced the signing of Salford City defender Sadiq El Fitouri.

El Fitouri joins United on an 18-month contract after successful trials.

The 20-year-old Salford City right-back only made his debut for the Northern Premier League club earlier this month but impressed during a week's trial at the Aon Training Complex and has earned a full-time move.

"This is honestly a dream come true for me and I have to thank Salford City for the chance, as well as the faith they have shown in me," said El Fitouri. "I am really looking forward to what happens next and to be given the opportunity to do so at Manchester United is unbelievable."
The Libya-born defender's brother is on the books at  Burnley and is a former Manchester City junior.

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Fiorentina Cuadrado to complete Chelsea move on Saturday

Chelsea will complete the signing of Juan Cuadrado on Saturday morning according to reports.

The Colombian winger is set to join the Blues from Fiorentina for around £24million which will see Mohamed Salah move the other way on loan for the remainder of the season.

La Viola boss Vincenzo Montella confirmed that the transfer would go ahead with some reports suggesting it will be finalized once Cuadrado completes a medical in London on Saturday morning.

"It was a sale that had to be done. The club has done the right thing because we are also getting a very good player,” Montella told Fiorentina’s official website.

"Naturally, we need to understand how long Salah will need to adapt to our football as it's different from the English and Swiss leagues.

"From a defensive standpoint, Cuadrado guarantees us a lot more than Salah. Cuadrado is a player that has always arrived with a smile and given everything to Fiorentina.

"I am convinced that if he could have played tomorrow he would have. I'm happy for him because he is going to a big club."

Montella added: "We’ve lost a top player but I see similar characteristics in Salah. I don’t think it’s a step backwards."

Los Cafeteros ace Cuadrado joined Fiorentina from Udinese in 2012 and has scored 26 goals and provided 21 assists in 106 appearances for the Florence outfit.

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Pochettino Bemoans Tottenham's fixture congestion

Tottenham's fixture congestion before the League Cup final against Chelsea has been described as unfair by head coach Mauricio Pochettino, reports BBC Sport.

Spurs will play four games in 11 days, including a Europa League tie away to Fiorentina within 72 hours of the final at Wembley on 1 March.

Pochettino, 42, said: "It is not the best situation, but we need to prepare for every game."

Tottenham play West Ham in the Premier League on 22 February, followed by a trip to Italy four days later before facing Chelsea in the final on the Sunday.

They then host Swansea in the league on the following Wednesday.

Pochettino added: "We are in the Europa League, Capital One Cup final and the Premier League. This is football. We are strong and will be ready to play the final on 1 March."

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bolton swap for Man Utd keeper

Championship side Bolton have signed Manchester United keeper Ben Amos on a one-month loan.

The 24 year old will cover the loss of Adam Bogdan after the Hungarian was ruled out for six weeks with an ankle injury.

Amos has made just seven first-team appearances since coming me through the academy at Old Trafford, but does have Football League experience from loan spells at Carlisle, Hull, Oldham and Peterborough.

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Blatter backs Australia to host World Cup

Fifa president Sepp Blatter has fired his opening salvo in his campaign for re-election by saying Australia deserves to host the World Cup.

In his first column in FIFA Weekly magazine since confirming he will be a candidate for May's election, Blatter said: "Australia is the only continent never to have hosted the World Cup finals.

"That is basically an unfortunate omission in sporting history because very few countries boast such a rich sporting culture and long list of champions. We can say with confidence that it would be more than deserved if Australia were to stage the World Cup at some point."

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Redknapp concentrating on loan market

QPR have no deals pending before the transfer window closes on Monday, says boss Harry Redknapp.

"We want a couple of loans - if we can find them. We're not close, though, on anyone."

He has ruled out releasing midfielder Leroy Fer and wingers Junior Hoilett and Matt Phillips.

Redknapp added: "I would rather Junior and Matty stay here. Les Ferdinand [head of football operations] said there has been some interest in Junior from a German club. But we're not overloaded with players and we're looking to strengthen not weaken."

On attempts to sign (Bakary) Sako(Wolves), he said: "We made an enquiry and that's as far as it went. Les spoke to the people there - it's not gone any further."

He also has ruled out moves for Blackburn Rovers striker Rudy Gestede, Rubin Kazan midfielder Yann M'Vila, Tottenham front man Emmanuel Adebayor and striker Dani Osvaldo, currently on loan at Inter Milan from Southampton.

"You can sit and talk about players all day, but you need to get them over the line. We're nowhere near yet."

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Arsenal take a chance on Paulista's lack of English

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admits that new signing Gabriel Paulista's lack of English could cost them goals as he settles in.

The 24 year old Brazilian centre-back is available to make his debut against Aston Villa on Sunday following an £11.2m move from Villarreal.

"At the moment, he doesn't speak a word of English, and that can cost you goals," Wenger said.

"If you mix 'going forwards' with 'going backwards', it can cost you."

The Frenchman added: "You always have to give players time to adapt, especially in a defensive position, because you need to know your partners and need to communicate as well.

"He's ready to go. He'll be in the squad, certainly. He started his training yesterday and looks fit."

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January 2015 transfers by Barclays Premier League clubs

Latest January transfer window news for the 2014/15 Barclays Premier League season

• 
  Kyle Naughton has signed a three-and-a-half year deal with Swansea City
• 
  Arsenal have completed the signing of midfielder Krystian Bielik
• 
  Wilfried Bony has beefed up Man City's attack
• 
  Aston Villa have brought in Carles Gil from Valencia in a permanent deal
• 
  Arsenal's Yaya Sanogo has moved to Crystal Palace on loan
• 
  Michael Keane has made his loan from Man Utd to Burnley a permanent move
• 
  Victor Valdes has signed for Man Utd on an 18-month deal
• 
  Mauro Zarate has moved across London to QPR on loan
• 
  Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has signed for Leicester from Chelsea

The January 2015 transfer window opens officially on 3 January and runs until 11pm, 2 February and you can keep up to date with all the latest activity with our transfer page.

You can keep track of all the ins and outs at the clubs throughout the winter window. The transfer window for the Premier League clubs closes at 11pm BST on 2 February 2015. For all the European transfer windows click here.

Arsenal (arsenal.com)

In
Krystian Bielik (Legia Warsaw) Undisclosed Read more >>
Gabriel (Villarreal) Undisclosed Read more >>

Out
Lukas Podolski (Inter Milan) Loan
Matt Macey (Accrington Stanley) Loan
Yaya Sanogo (Crystal Palace) Loan Read more >>
Benik Afobe (Wolverhampton Wanderers) Undisclosed
Joel Campbell (Villarreal) Loan

Aston Villa (avfc.co.uk)

In
Carles Gil (Valencia) Undisclosed Read more >>

Out
Darren Bent (Derby County) Loan
Jordan Graham (Wolverhampton Wanderers) Undisclosed
Gary Gardner (Nottingham Forest) Loan
Daniel Johnson (Preston North End) Undisclosed
Chris Herd (Wigan Athletic) Loan

Burnley (burnleyfootballclub.com)

In
Michael Keane (Manchester United) Undisclosed Read more >>

Out

Chelsea (chelseafc.com)

In

OutFernando Torres (AC Milan) Undisclosed
Mark Schwarzer (Leicester City) Free
Lewis Baker (Sheffield Wednesday) Loan
Todd Kane (Nottingham Forest) Loan
John Swift (Swindon Town) Loan
Alex Kiwomya (Barnsley) Loan
Tomas Kalas (Middlesbrough) Loan
Marko Marin (Anderlecht) Loan
Nathan Chalobah (Reading) Loan

Crystal Palace (cpfc.co.uk)

In
Yaya Sanogo (Arsenal) Loan Read more >>
Jordon Mutch (QPR) Undisclosed Read more >>
Shola Ameobi (Unattached) Free Read move >>

Out
Andrew Johnson Released
Zeki Fryers (Rotherham United) Loan
Jake Gray (Cheltenham Town) Loan
Lewis Price (Crawley Town) Loan

Everton (evertonfc.com)

In
Out
Hallam Hope (Bury) Undisclosed
Mason Springthorpe (Fleetwood Town) Loan
Chris Long (Brentford) Loan
Samuel Eto'o (Sampdoria) Undisclosed

Hull City (hullcityafc.net)

In

Out

Leicester City (lcfc.com)

In
Mark Schwarzer (Chelsea) Free Read more >>
Andrej Kramaric (HNK Rijeka) Undisclosed

Out
Jack Barmby (Rotherham United) Loan
Tom Hopper (Scunthorpe United) Loan
Callum Elder (Mansfield Town) Loan
Adam Dawson (Bristol Rovers) Loan

Liverpool (liverpoolfc.com)

In

Out
Kevin Stewart (Cheltenham) Loan
Lloyd Jones (Cheltenham) Loan
Jack Dunn (Cheltenham) Loan
Oussama Assaidi (Al Ahli) Undisclosed
Suso (AC Milan) Undisclosed
Connor Randall (Shrewsbury Town) Loan

Manchester City (mcfc.co.uk)

In
Wilfried Bony (Swansea City) Undisclosed Read more>>

Out
Sinan Bytyqi (SC Cambuur) Loan
Matija Nastasic (Schalke 04) Loan
Devante Cole (MK Dons) Loan

Manchester United (manutd.com)

In
Victor Valdes (Unattached) Free Read more >>

Out
Ben Pearson (Barnsley) Loan
Sam Johnstone (Preston North End)
Michael Keane (Burnley) Undisclosed
Will Keane (Sheffield Wednesday) Loan

Newcastle United (nufc.co.uk)

In

Out
Hatem Ben Arfa Released
Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa (Roma) Undisclosed

Queens Park Rangers (qpr.co.uk)

In
Mauro Zarate (West Ham United) Loan Read more >>
Ryan Manning (Galway United) Free Read more >>

Out
Jordon Mutch (Crystal Palace) Undisclosed

Southampton (saintsfc.co.uk)

In
Eljero Elia (Werder Bremen) Loan

Out
Artur Boruc (Bournemouth) Loan extension
Jos Hooiveld (Millwall) Loan

Stoke City (stokecityfc.com)

In
Philipp Wollscheid (Bayer Leverkusen) Loan Read more >>

Out
Ryan Shotton (Derby County) Undisclosed
George Waring (Barnsley) Loan
Maurice Edu (Philadelphia Union) Undisclosed

Sunderland (safc.com)

In
Jermain Defoe (Toronto) Undisclosed Read more >>

Out
Scott Harrison (Hartlepool) Loan
Jozy Altidore (Toronto) Undisclosed Read more >>

Swansea City (swanseacity.net)

In
Nelson Oliveira (Benfica) Loan Read more >>
Matt Grimes (Exeter City) Undisclosed Read more >>
Kyle Naughton (Tottenham Hotspur) Undisclosed Read more >>

Out
Rory Donnelly (Tranmere Rovers) Loan
Wilfried Bony (Manchester City) Undisclosed
Ryan Hedges (Leyton Orient) Loan

Tottenham Hotspur (tottenhamhotspur.com)

In

Out
Milos Veljkovic (Charlton Athletic) Loan
Grant Hall (Blackpool) Loan
Dominic Ball (Cambridge United) Loan
Kyle Naughton (Swansea City) Undisclosed

West Bromwich Albion (wba.co.uk)

In
Callum McManaman (Wigan Athletic) Undisclosed Read more>>

Out
Bradley Garmston (Gillingham) Loan
Luke Daniels (Scunthorpe United) Undisclosed

West Ham United (whufc.com)

In
Doneil Henry (Apollon Limassol) Undisclosed Read more >>

OutMauro Zarate (Queens Park Rangers) Loan
Ricardo Vaz Te Released
Paul McCallum (Portsmouth) Loan
Sean Maguire (Accrington Stanley) Loan