Liverpool are ready to challenge Chelsea for the signature of Barcelona winger Pedro, according to reports in Spain.
Barcelona’s Pedro has been subject to interest from various Premier League sides that include Liverpool, Arsenal and most importantly Chelsea. So far, Chelsea were said to have the lead on the player and there were some reports that claimed a deal had been agreed for after Pedro spoke to Mourinho. However, the player denied these rumors but admitted his future is in doubt.
Liverpool are ready to match his buy-out clause
Reports broke earlier today that claimed Liverpool were willing to match Aston Villa’s valuation of Christian Benteke of a reported A?32.5m. Now, Catalan media outlet Sport claims that the Reds are also willing to match the reported buy-out clause of Pedro which is about A?20.9m.
The Reds eye Pedro as a replacement for Raheem Sterling who departed the club for A?49m and moved to Manchester City. Therefore, the Merseysiders do have the funds to land the player even if they get Benteke before that.
Pedro not keen on a move to a club with no Champions League football
Pedro, however, is said to not be keen on a move to Liverpool as Brendan Rodgers cannot offer the player the lure of Champions League football.
Pedro apparently is keen on a switch to the Blues but Jose Mourinho made it clear he would not spend approximately A?21m on the player. If Pedro and Mourinho can convince Barcelona to let him leave for a cheaper price, Pedro will certainly be off to London.
It must be noted that any transfer cannot be finalised until after Barcelona’s presidential elections, which take place this weekend.
Manager Enrique wants player to stay but knows he might be off
Luis Enrique admitted he would like Pedro to stay but understood that he could leave.
a I would prefer him to stay but it is up to the player to decide,a he told a news conference, his first since the Spanish and European champions returned to training on Monday.
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a I respect any decision the player may make and I am aware that for a certain sum he could leave.a
Fantastic deal if Liverpool could pull it off, but looks unlikely
Pedro would be fantastic replacement for Raheem Sterling but it is extremely unlikely that the Reds will be able to land the Barcelona frontman. Pedro, who has spent his entire career at Barcelona and with trophies would not want to take a step down, especially when there is no Champions League to offer. The Liverpool management will have to try extremely hard and give the winger an offer he cannot refuse. Manchester United proved last season that money talks and signed Angel di Maria without continental football. If Liverpool can match that intent and land the player, their prospects for next season look bright.