Fiorentina manager Vincenzo Montella has told Chelsea to buy out Juan Cuadrado's release clause if they want to land the winger this month.

The Colombian has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this week, although the Viola boss has reportedly threatened to quit the Italian outfit should they sell their star man.

Despite this, speculation has continued to intensify, and Montella has now admitted that Cuadrado could leave the club should a sum thought to be in the region of £26.8m be paid in full.

"The issue around Cuadrado is very simple: he has a buy-out clause, which was written into his contract along with the club," he told reporters.

"If a team comes along and pays it, and the player wants to leave, then he can go. This clause expires during the last few days of the transfer window, but as far as we are concerned the player is not for sale."

Brazil international Douglas Costa is another player Chelsea are said to be keen on signing, but they may face problems negotiating a price with his current employers Shakhtar Donetsk.