Manchester United are close to securing the signature of FC Barcelona winger Pedro, with the English club’s Chief Executive Ed Woodward set to meet Barca officials on Tuesday as per reports in Catalan newspaper Sport.
Pedroa s future at FC Barcelona has been subject of intense speculation despite the player signing a new deal in the summer.
The arrival of new signing Arda Turan, in addition to the already existing trio of Neymar, Messi and Suarez, means that Pedroa s chances might become limited. Recent reports also claimed that Perdo’s buyout clause has been dropped from a 150 million to a 30m; raising doubts over the player’s future at Barcelona.
Manchester United and Chelsea FC have been heavily linked with a move for the player, with the former Louis van Gaal hinting that Manchester United are looking to sign the Spanish winger.
Ed Woodward to fly to Spain on Tuesday to finalize the move
As per Catalan media outled Sport, the Manchester United chief executive has fixed up a meeting with FC Barcelona officials on Tuesday to seal the deal for Pedro as replacement to the departing Angel Di Maria.
The report says that Manchester United will pay Barcelona’s asking price of A?22m to secure the Spanish winger who was subject of a transfer interest from Chelsea FC too, having allegedly spoken to the London side’s manager Jose Mourinho. Pedro, however, denied that he had conversations with Mourinho following the reports.
Where could Pedroa s future lie?
FC Barcelona manager Luis Enrique had stressed earlier in the month that he wants Pedro to stay. However, the manager has recently admitted that Pedro could leave should his release clause be met.
a Pedro? If he wants to go, a club will have to meet his release clause,a Luis Enrique was quoted saying by Sport.
Both, Manchester United and Chelsea FC would be attractive options for Pedro. But, with Louis van Gaal stating that he would Manchester United to sign a player in Pedro’s mould . , the Northwest English side could be a more attractive option for Pedro than Chelsea, who have Willian, Hazard, Oscar, Fabregas as competitors for the three attacking midfield/wide insider forward role.
Pedro could also delay any transfer till January, until Turan is eligible to play for FC Barcelona, to see where he stands within the team.