There has been a twist in the tale to Manchester United’s pursuit of Pedro, with neighbours, Manchester City, entering the chase for the Barcelona winger.
According to Catalan paper Mundo Deportivo, City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, has made contact with the 28-year old’s representatives, the club, and even the player himself to register their interest, with United failing to come to an agreement with Barcelona. The paper also goes on to add that Edin Dzeko’s departure for Roma has forced City’s hand and Manuel Pellegrini wants a new striker in at the Etihad, and Pedro fits the bill.
However, with Neymar being ruled out for the next two weeks with the mumps, Barcelona manager Luis Enrique has ruled out Pedro’s departure until after the UEFA and Spanish Super Cups, in order to cover for the Brazilian’s absence. The paper also adds that United will not force the move through ahead of the Reds’ registering their Champions League squad for the play-off against Club Brugge.
It had been reported earlier by noted Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague on Twitter that personal terms had been agreed between Pedro and United, but no bid had been made. This report would seem to confirm that post by Balague.
Mundo Deportivo add in their final paragraph that the presence of City as an alternative to United is beneficial for Barcelona, as any club making a move for Pedro will have to pay his release clause of €30 million. One thing’s for sure, Louis van Gaal will have to decide in the upcoming days whether to force the issue and pay the clause, or to go away and look at other targets.
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