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Juan Cuadrado to Juventus: Chelsea forward on verge of loan deal, will it smooth Paul Pogba transfer?

Cuadrado set to end nightmare spell at Stamford Bridge

Tuesday 25 August 2015 10:27 BST

Juan Cuadrado (GETTY IMAGES)

Juan Cuadrado is on the verge of leaving Stamford Bridge for Juventus in a deal Chelsea will hope smooths the path for Paul Pogba to move in the opposite direction.

Colombia international Cuadrado was undergoing a medical in Turin ahead of an anticipated season-long loan, with reports there is an option for the move to become permanent.

He moved to Stamford Bridge from Fiorentina in February, but made a limited impact as the Blues won the Capital One Cup and Premier League title.

"We all know that Juve is a great club, among the best teams in Europe. They have everything to win the Scudetto (Serie A)," Cuadrado said on the club's official website.

"I hope I can give Juventus my best, 100 per cent. I didn't expect to receive such a warm welcome from the fans in Italy but they have always welcomed me with open arms and that makes me very happy.

"The fans' support will give me further motivation to do well."

There is no suggestion that Cuadrado's move to Juventus will form part of negotiations for Pogba, but providing the Italian champions with a ready-made replacement should they agree to sell their star player won't do any harm.

It's understood Chelsea are ready to pay £70m to secure the services of Pogba.

Paul Pogba (GETTY IMAGES)

Cuadrado was one of Colombia's star players at last year's World Cup but failed to make an impact at Stamford Bridge since moving from Fiorentina for an initial £23.3m.

He signed a four-and-a-half year contract at Chelsea but it seems the club are already willing to allow him to play elsewhere after four Premier League starts.

Cuadrado is excited at the prospect of playing for Juve, who won the Italian double - Serie A and Coppa Italia - in the 2014/15 campaign and finished runners-up to Barcelona in the Champions League.

He is eager to win another league title.

"The league has only started and we hope we can defend the title," he added.

"I want to prepare well for every game and then the coach will decide. I just have to work hard and play my game."

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

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1/22West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

West Brom: Myhill

The goalkeeper conceded three goals, but was let down by his defence. 6

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Dawson

A central defender by trade but playing at right back, he struggled to cope with Hazard’s pace but got involved with West Brom’s attacks when he could. 5

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

McAuley

Costa got the better of the Northern Ireland international time and time again, and after the centre-back had lost his battle with the striker, it allowed Costa to set up Azpilicueta for Chelsea’s third. 4

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Olsson

The Sweden international couldn’t deal with the pace of Pedro in the build-up to the winger’s opening goal. 4

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Brunt

The left winger, who has been used at left back under Pulis, came close to equalising with a late shot that went high but he was exploited by Pedro throughout the game. 4

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Yacob

It was his run forwards that allowed Willian to get in behind him and set up Costa for his goal. Was lacking in pace in opener as Willian got past him to make it 2-0. 5

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

McManaman

The winger’s pace caused Azpilicueta all sorts of problems and after skipping past the left-back, he was brought down by Matic for the penalty. He also provided the cross for Morrison’s second goal. 7

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Morrison

West Brom’s longest-serving player made up for his missed penalty by scoring twice in what was a positive showing for the midfielder. 8

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Flecther

Worked hard in midfield to combat Fabregas’ influence but failed to fully protect his back line. 5

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

McClean

Was dangerous for West Brom and it was his good work that allowed him to get past Ivanovic and create Morrison’s second goal. 6

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Rondon

Looked sharp on his debut and it was his overhead kick that set up Morrison for his goal. Didn’t get on the scoresheet but was a threat up front for the home side. 7

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Chelsea: Courtois

Remained calm in goal despite the end-to-end nature of the match, saving Morrison's early penalty before making several late saves to ensure the win. 7

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Ivanovic

Did better on the right flank than against Manchester City last week, but Chelsea’s vice-captain was beaten too easily by McClean for West Brom’s first goal before McManaman got the better of him for the home side’s second. 4

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Zouma

Provided strength in central defence and made some good early tackles. 6

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Terry

After being the subject of headlines following his substitution against City, the Chelsea skipper let himself down when he saw red for failing to keep up with Rondon before pulling the striker back while he was through on goal. 4

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Azpilicueta

Helped restore Chelsea’s two-goal lead with his strike just before the break, but was beaten too easily by McManaman in the lead-up to West Brom’s penalty as he struggled with his defensive duties. 7

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Fabregas

It was the Spaniard’s lofty pass that instigated the move that led to Azpilicueta’s goal, and the midfielder continued providing accurate passes to help build-up Chelsea’s attacks as the game went on. 7

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Matic

Clumsily brought down McManaman to give away the penalty but was let off the hook when Courtois saved the resulting spot-kick. He didn’t look as strong in midfield as usual, and couldn’t contend with Morrison’s strength for West Brom’s second goal. 5

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Willian

Made a great run on the counter to set up Chelsea’s second goal and should have scored just before the break but drove high. Another good performance with a high work rate against West Brom. 7

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Hazard

The Belgian looked back to his best against West Brom as he set up Pedro for the opener and used his pace to cause the home side’s defence problems. 7

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Pedro4

Chelsea’s man of the match. The winger seemed at ease on his Premier League debut scoring a goal and setting up Diego Costa’s strike. His pace on the right and his superb crosses will prove dangerous for Chelsea this season. 8

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Costa.jpg

His goal was the icing on the cake for the striker, who enjoyed a very good performance up front. Costa looked dangerous throughout and really should have bagged a brace in the second half but drove high with time and space. 8

Juve, coached by Massimiliano Allegri, began their Serie A title defence with a 1-0 defeat at home to Udinese on Sunday and take on last season's runners-up Roma at the Stadio Olimpico this weekend.

Chelsea's Egypt winger Mohamed Salah, who moved to Fiorentina on loan as part of the Cuadrado deal, is now on loan at Roma.

Additional reporting by PA

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