Manchester United will complete the signing of Barcelona forward Pedro on Tuesday, The Telegraph reports. According to The Metro, the 28-year-old will move to Old Trafford on a deal worth £24 million and will be handed the vacant No 9 jersey at Old Trafford.
The reports said that Spanish newspaper Sport had claimed that only minor details were to be ironed out and Pedro will fly to England after the conclusion of the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup against Athletic Bilbao takes place on Monday. Barcelona are trailing 4-0 after the first leg meeting at the San Mames stadium.
United have been chasing Pedro throughout the summer transfer window with reports emerging first about a possible move towards the end of July. The Catalan club looked willing to cash in on the forward but stressed that the player’s release clause of £22 million had to be met if they are to even consider an offer.
Pedro has asked the club to let him leave according to Barcelona technical secretary Fernandez
The English side has since stepped up their pursuit after Angel di Maria left Old Trafford to join Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona coach Luis Enrique revealed last week that Pedro’s situation will be resolved one way or the other soon.
"I have never decided to pick a player or leave him out because of the transfer window. I would like to keep all my players through the whole season. But we have talked enough about Pedro. The solution will arrive soon," Enrique said.
Pedro’s winner that helped Barcelona clinch the UEFA Super Cup with a 5-4 victory over fellow Spanish club Sevilla did little to alter the atmosphere at Nou Camp as both Enrique and Pedro hinted that a move away from Spain was the likely outcome.
“It is a difficult, complicated situation. When you know you may leave it is difficult, Pedro said and further expressed his disappointment at not starting the game despite Neymar missing out with illness. “The truth is that I had a good chance to play. The coach has decided not to count on me. I don't know, I don't know if I will continue here.”
“Manchester? Yes, there are nice challenges on all sides. Today I'm here, and I'm happy. And if I go, I will go with my head held high having always given everything,” he added.
Barcelona’s technical secretary Roberto Fernandez said that Pedro has asked the club to let him leave.
"Pedro has told me he wants to go. The buyout clause in his contract is not negotiable, but this could be his final game," said Fernandez.