Manchester City have reportedly joined archrivals Manchester United in the race for Fiorentina winger Juan Cuadrado and are now considering triggering the player's £28m release clause.
The Red Devils were strongly linked with a move for the Colombia international in the summer and are understood to have reignited their interest in the player in recent weeks but the Citizens have now joined the hunt.
City will now look to pip United to Cuadrado, according to the Express. The 26-year-old's contract with the Viola expires only in 2019 but both clubs are open to matching the buy-out clause to snap up the influential winger.
The Red Devils had announced a drop in revenue on Tuesday due to the absence of Champions League football and, according to the report, the Citizens are now keen to capitalise on the situation, and trump their rivals in their pursuit of the South American.
Cuadrado has a goal and three assists to his name from nine Serie A appearances so far this season.
Meanwhile, United defender Luke Shaw feels the Red Devils' fringe players now have the chance to show their worth, following the injuries suffered by some of the club's first team regulars.
The Red Devils visit the Emirates on Saturday to face Arsenal in the Premier League with a number of key players - including summer signings Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo - sidelined, while the likes of Angel di Maria and Radamel Falcao are also doubtful.
"I think it's time for people to step up," Goal quoted Shaw as saying. "The players who are not getting game time, who are frustrated on the bench, can come in for a massive game like Arsenal that everyone will want to play in.
"We know we've picked up a lot of injuries, especially in defence, where it's always changing each time. We've obviously picked up another injury with Daley Blind, but we've got to deal with that and try to get around this week and go firing into the Arsenal game," the 19-year-old added.
