According to reports from The Guardian yesterday evening, Manchester United are on the verge of activating the £22million release clause of Barcelona winger-forward Pedro.
The 27 year-old has done and won it all throughout his tenures with the Catalans and the Spanish national team, winning five La Liga titles, three Champions League titles, the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championship.
Despite penning extended terms until 2019 in June, however, the Spain international is widely expected to leave the Nou Camp this summer after slumping behind Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez in the pecking order.
>>> Keep up to date with all of the Premier League’s confirmed summer transfers <<<
That contract included a £22million release clause, and Pedro has since admitted to receiving offers to leave the European champions.
Chelsea were believed to be the front-runners in the race to sign the 5 foot 6 attacker, hoping to conclude a deal after Barcelona’s presidential election on Saturday, 18th July, with Liverpool and Arsenal also in close pursuit.
But according to reports from The Guardian, Manchester United have now entered the race for Pedro’s signature.
They claim Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal is particularly fond of the forward’s versatility and compatibility with his preferred 4-3-3 formation, whilst also alleging Pedro would prefer a move to Old Trafford over Stamford Bridge, Anfield or the Emirates.