Thursday 29 January 2015 23:36, UK
Fiorentina attacking midfielder Juan Cuadrado faces a difficult choice between Manchester United and Chelsea should he decide to move to the Premier League, according to Tony Cascarino and Paul Walsh.
Cuadrado is reportedly interesting both clubs with Fiorentina thought unwilling to sell the Colombian for less than the €35m buy-out fee stipulated in his contract.
Former Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester City forward Walsh believes the lure of playing at Old Trafford could prove too much for the explosive winger to resist.
Playing abroad, I found that many players want to come to London, not only because it is easy to come in and out of, but there’s also a financial aspect.
“They’re two great clubs but the history and success of Manchester United you’d have to be tempted,” Walsh told The Morning View on Sky Sports News HQ.
“You’d like to think that if you sign for them at the moment and they qualify for the Champions League that they would be back on their way up.
“Anything can happen if you’re in all the big competitions so next season could be massively exciting. When Manchester United are at the top of the league there is not a better club in the world. They are up there with Real Madrid.”
'Attraction'
But former Chelsea and Marseille striker Cascarino believes the attraction of playing in London is a powerful one and Cuadrado could be tempted by a lucrative offer from Jose Mourinho’s side.
“It’s all about past history with Manchester United,” Cascarino said. “They’ve not won so much in recent years with the end of the Fergie era.
“Chelsea you feel are the club that are going to be very close to winning this year and there’s also the financial side.
“Playing abroad, I found that many players want to come to London, not only because it is easy to come in and out of, but there’s also a financial aspect.
“Many players who have played for London clubs have earned fortunes on their properties. Manchester at the moment does not offer that.
“Now for me, that would be the wrong reason because all I’d want to do is go and play football, but it does play a part in the minds of some footballers.”
Walsh added: “If you’re signing based on the team today then you’d possibly choose Chelsea. London and the Jose factor at Chelsea would also be a big draw.
“Don’t get me wrong there is not a lot in it and you could discuss the merits of both clubs, but I think you’d do well to turn Manchester United down.”
Cascarino and Walsh see two of their former clubs - Chelsea and Manchester City - square off against each other on Saturday in a top-of-the-table clash, live on Sky Sports 1 HD.
Ex-Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard could play at Stamford Bridge for the first time since his summer departure and Cascarino would have no problem with the 36–year-old celebrating should he score against his former club.
“Should he celebrate? I’ve always felt you should even if it’s your previous club," Cascarino said. "This respect thing is confusing. There is nothing better than scoring goals. I didn’t get enough of them in my career – I’d like to have scored more."
Walsh added: "If he does score there is no chance he will celebrate. I agree with what Tony is saying but he won’t celebrate, not a chance.”
