Ed Woodward Flies To Barcelona To Complete Pedro Signing, Chelsea To Lose Out

The news of Pedro’s proposed move to Old Trafford is gathering pace as the clock ticks, with latest report from the Metro claiming Manchester United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has flown home from the club’s summer tour of the America to complete the deal.

United and Chelsea have been strongly linked to Pedro in recent days, but the Red Devils have emerged as favourite to trigger the £22 million release clause of the player.

Meanwhile, United’s Ed Woodward has flown back to England to finalise Pedro’s transfer, amid the reports that the club is set to table an offer next week.

Pedro used to be a totem in the Barcelona’s squad but the story seems to have changed in recent seasons, especially the last one. With the emergence of Messi, Suarez and Neymar (MSN), the 27-year old Spain international started only 15 times in 35 appearances for Barcelona last season and scored 6 goals.

Recently, he signed a new five-year extension in his Barca deal but that will not stop him from leaving the club. Pedro is thought to be keen to move to England, with Manchester United and Chelsea strong competitors for his services.

However, the Telegraph reckons the speedster has told friends he wants to join Man United, as a result of the presence of his friends Ander Herrera and Juan Mata in the team.

Although last week, reports was widespread that Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is interested in Pedro, and his release clause will be activated by the Blues, the Red Devils have now jumped to the front of the queue for Pedro’s signature.

Mourinho wants to see winger Mohamed Salah gone, as he believes his future lies elsewhere. Roma are now thought to be closing in on a deal for the former Basel winger. Meanwhile, the Portuguese manager has revealed in the past that if any player leaves his team, a replacement will have to be brought in. Pedro and Atletico’s Antoine Griezmann have been linked to Chelsea thus far.

Pedro will be an ideal replacement for Angel Di Maria who is quite likely to leave Old Trafford this summer, with recent reports saying the Argentine has agreed personal terms with PSG.

The Red Devils will be hoping to conclude the transfer before the club’s friendly match with Barcelona in America next weekend.

If United succeed in getting Pedro, they will indeed genuine push for the title next season, having brought in talented Memphis Depay, the midfield duo of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin, as well as defender Matteo Darmian from PSV, Bayern Munich, Southampton and Torino respectively this summer.