Chelsea Target Pedro Confirms He Wants Manchester United Move

Manchester United are set to beat rivals Chelsea to the signing of £22 million-rated winger Pedro Rodriguez. It has been reported by the Telegraph that Pedro has admitted to friends that he wants to join Man United this summer.

Pedro has been a stalwart of the Barcelona squad but has been hampered in recent seasons by lack of opportunities. The emergence of Messi, Suarez and Neymar has limited Pedro to a bench role at the Camp Nou and he reportedly wants out.

Despite signing a new five-year deal a couple of weeks back, the Spain international star is keen to move to the Premier League in order to improve his situation.

Chelsea were reported to be, as Sky Sports claimed, close to sealing the deal last week after the release fee had been reportedly triggered. Goal also had it in its report Chelsea are really interested in signing Pedro and would want the deal to be completed before their US tour.

Pedro was sparingly used by Luis Enrique in the 2014-15 season as the Blaugrana did the treble. He started only 15 games in total and that has led to endless speculation regarding his future.

Louis Van Gaal has confirmed United are not done in the transfer window yet, as he wants to improve “at least” two positions. Memphis Depay, Matteo Darmian, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin have all arrive and more players are still to come in, with Pedro probably one.

However, Barcelona manager Luis Enrique maintains that he does not want Pedro to leave, as he sees the Spanish speedster as an integral member of his team and part of his plans next season.

The Man United interest in Pedro started gathering steam on Friday, with several reports claiming the Red Devils are now leading the Blues for his signature. The Guardian had claimed United are about to trigger the player’s release clause, and that United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward had flown back home from the club’s summer tour in order to start working on the Pedro deal.

Spanish publication Marca had also chipped in with its own report on Sunday that Pedro has been lured by the presence of his two good friends Herrera and Mata at United, hence a €29 million fee has been agreed (via Squawka).

Their report however backed Telegraph’s claim that the Spaniard fancies a move to Old Trafford. Pedro, 27, started on only 15 occasions last term, despite featuring 35 times in the La Liga. He however managed to score 6 league goals for the Blaugrana.

Pedro has won all there is to be with both club and country. He is a winner of the World Cup, European Championship, Champions League and La Liga, so the Spanish will bring vast experience, as well as a winning mentality to complement the United team.

Man United are also targeting defensive options, with Sergio Ramos and Nicolas Otamendi on their wish list.