Following his side’s 1-0 win over Club America on Friday, Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal hinted there could be a “surprise” signing in the coming days.
When asked about United’s lack of scoring options, Van Gaal responded: “I am not worried about depth of forwards. We still have Rooney. He can play in the striker’s position.
“We also have Chicharito, Wilson and maybe a surprise, you never know. It is a process. I am not worried about that position.”
The English press is speculating that United are preparing another mega-money bid for Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale – despite the fact that Welshman has continually stated his desire to remain with the La Liga club.
However, it is not Bale who Van Gaal has set his sights on.
According to reports emanating from Spain, United are in the process of trying to secure the services of Barcelona forward Pedro – with one report claiming an agreement could be reached later this week.
Despite signing a contract extension with Barcelona last season, Pedro is understood to be keen on leaving the Catalan club because of their wealth of attacking options.
The 27-year-old wants to be in the Spain squad for Euro 2016, and that means he needs to play regularly for Barcelona. However, that is no longer possible with manager Luis Enrique expected to continue choosing a starting eleven with the attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar at the forward positions.
With that in mind, United are currently orchestrating a move which would see Pedro join the English club later this week.
Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal have also expressed an interest in signing the 27-year-old, but it’s United who are the front runners for his services.
When the Spain international renewed his contract with Barcelona, an agreement was made between the player and his club that if an offer of over €25 million were to be made then the Catalan side would be prepared to negotiate his departure from the Camp Nou.
While Barcelona and Luis Enrique do not want to see Pedro leave, the veteran player has the respect of the entire club and it will not stand in the way in his search for more playing time.
Now that Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu has been re-elected to his post, his first order of business will be to listen to all parties involved and sanction Pedro’s move to England.
Manchester United are reportedly ready to table an offer between €25-29 million for Pedro’s services, and Louis van Gaal is keen to have the Spain international join up with the rest of his squad in the United States.
Barcelona are currently in the US and are scheduled to face United on Saturday afternoon in Santa Clara.
While a deal for Pedro could be completed before then, it’s unlikely the forward would be available to play for United against what would be his former club.
Pedro joined Barcelona’s youth system as a 17-year-old in 2004, and since his call-up to the senior squad in 2008 the forward has made close to 200 appearances for La Blaugrana.
The veteran player has also be a Spain international since 2010, helping La Roja win the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.
