Chelsea Transfer News: Mourinho Closes in on First January Signing as Fiorentina Accept £23m bid for Colombian

Chelsea have reportedly managed to beat Manchester United to the signature of Juan Cuadrado following reports of Fiorentina accepting a £23 million bid from the Blues for the winger.

Although Fiorentina were earlier determined to keep the Colombian, they have reportedly succumbed to the pressure put by the player, who is believed to be keen on moving to the Premier League.

Manchester United were also believed to be keen on securing Cuadrado's signature in January, but the Blues have reportedly won the race with a £23 million bid.

Earlier the Blues had reportedly made a £20 million bid for the Chilean, but Fiorentina had rejected the offer due to West London club failing to match the £25 million in Cuadrado's buyout clause.

However, now the Daily Express claims that the Serie A club are satisfied with the Blues improved bid, despite this figure being £2 million short of the amount in his buyout clause.

The arrival of Cuadrado will certainly signal the end of Mohamed Salah's Chelsea career, with Roma being on the verge of landing the Egyptian on a six-month loan deal that can be made permanent for a transfer fee of around £11 million.

The 22-year-old winger will probably be happy to make a move out of Stamford Bridge as he has had very limited first team opportunities since his £11 million switch from FC Basel a year ago.

Meanwhile, Chelsea midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah has joined Championship side Reading on loan until the end of the season.

"Nathaniel Chalobah has today [Thursday] joined Championship side Reading until the end of the season," read a statement on Chelsea's official website.

Reading manager Steve Clarke expressed his delight at having secured Chalobah's signature on loan, insisting that the midfielder's addition will boost their "already strong midfield" even further.

"Nathaniel is a good young player who I have known about and followed for some time," said Clarke.

"He will certainly enhance our already strong midfield department with his qualities. We welcome Nathaniel to the club and look forward to him playing his part in a more successful second half to the season."

The 20-year-old, who is yet to make his Chelsea debut, was on loan at Burnley during the first half of this season, making four substitute appearances for the Clarets.