According to reports from The Independent this afternoon, Manchester United could complete a £22million deal for Barcelona winger Pedro before the end of the week.
The 27 year-old has claimed every accolade going during his spells 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 – but is 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 <<<
The 51-cap international signed a new contract in June that included a £22million release clause and has since admitted to receiving offers to leave the European champions, with Premier League foursome Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United all linked to his signature.
The Red Devils entered the race last week and although recent reports have claimed rivals Liverpool are attempting to hijack their deal for the 5 foot 6 attacker, The Independent believe an Old Trafford switch could be concluded by the end of the week.
Citing Spanish news outlet Marca, they claim Pedro has already opened talks with United and negotiations have progressed to such an extent that he could officially sign for them within days.
Louis van Gaal’s presence on the other side of the Atlantic amid United’s pre-season tour of the USA could prove problematic, but both clubs will get the chance to finalise the deal when crossing paths in the International Champions Cup on Saturday.
sign pedro then allow di maria to go