Reports: Manchester United in talks to sign Barcelona forward Pedro

Pedro is behind Messi, Neymar and Suarez in the pecking order at Barcelona

Manchester United are in pursuit of Pedro and will hope to quickly conclude a deal for the winger when they meet his and Barcelona’s representatives, according to ESPN FC. The two clubs are taking part in the International Champions Cup in the United States and will face each other over the weekend, which could help speed up the move.

Barcelona will sell Pedro only if release clause is met

The 27-year-old La Masia youth product has had a highly successful career at Barcelona but wants to play regular first-team football at the club, which is something they cannot guarantee due to the presence of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez. The Catalan club’s statements have indicated that they are resigned to losing Pedro, although Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu has publicly stated that the club will not accept anything less than winger’s release clause, which is £22 million.

"We have not received any offers for any player," Bartomeu said, as reported in The Telegraph.

"I refer back to what head coach Luis Enrique said: If someone wants to sign our players then the release clause must be met. So far, no one has made an offer, so we are calm."

Busquets wants Pedro to stay

Sergio Busquets expects his team-mate to leave the Camp Nou for regular first-team football, and has dropped a hint that the player could leave for Manchester United. Speaking with the press ahead of the pre-season friendly between the two clubs, Busquets said: “Yes, I have spoken to him but I won’t tell you what he said. It was a private conversation.”

“I would want him to stay, I would love him to stay. He is a friend of mine and it will be his final decision. He wants to play more and get more minutes. That’s what he wants.”

“But we are in a team of great players and it’s hard for him. Finally it will be his decision but I hope he stays.” he added, according to the Guardian.

Premier League clubs monitoring Pedro’s situation

The Guardian also mentioned Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool as the other clubs who are currently monitoring Pedro’s situation, although the player has already told friends that he wants to sign for United.

Louis van Gaal expects Pedro to line up on the right side of United’s front-three alongside Wayne Rooney and Memphis Depay, and is viewed as a quality signing by the Dutchman. The Spainiard will replace Angel Di Maria, who has been linked with a move away from the Premier League.

United also have intentions of signing a central defender and a forward this summer, as Louis van Gaal continues to overhaul the squad ahead of the new season.