Falcao backed to star with Cuadrado

17 June 2015 11:47

Radamel Falcao and Juan Cuadrado can bring the best out of each other at Chelsea next season, according to Colombia coach Jose Pekerman.

It is widely reported the Barclays Premier League champions have reached an agreement with Monaco to sign striker Falcao on a season-long loan.

Falcao scored just four goals in 29 appearances for Manchester United last season, with the club deciding not to take up an option to sign the forward on a permanent deal.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, however, remains a big fan of the 29-year-old, who impressed in Europe with Porto and then again at Atletico Madrid.

Mourinho is on the lookout for another striker following the departure of Didier Drogba, and recently spoke of his admiration for Falcao, who missed the 2014 World Cup with a serious knee injury.

There has yet to be any official confirmation from either club over a transfer, with Falcao away at the Copa America in Chile.

International team-mate Cuadrado joined Chelsea in a £24.8million deal in January from Fiorentina, but had a limited contribution in the remainder of the campaign.

Colombia coach Pekerman, however, feels if the players are to unite at club level, that would make an impact.

"I have no doubts that they (Falcao and Cuadrado) are going to help each other (at Chelsea) and are going to be a success," Pekerman told reporters at a press conference ahead of Colombia's Copa America clash with Brazil on Thursday.

Cuadrado, who was also speaking to the media, indicated a potential deal was in the pipeline. He said: "I am very happy that he's with us (at Chelsea), but first we have got to concentrate on the Copa (America)," he insisted.

Chelsea, meanwhile, could also be set to move for a goalkeeper as veteran Petr Cech looks likely to leave, with Arsenal keen to tie up a £11million deal rather than any potential player swap.

Stoke's Asmir Begovic is one reported target, as is John Ruddy at Norwich, with Thibaut Courtois set to cement his place as Chelsea number one next season.

Source: PA