Manchester United transfers: Barcelona admit they're powerless to prevent Pedro move Barcelona accept they are powerless to stop Pedro from joining Manchester United. Louis van Gaal is targeting the Spanish forward to bolster his attack following the departures of Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao.
United are prepared to activate the 27-year-old’s £22m release clause - and Barca manager Luis Enrique admits there is nothing he can do to block Pedro’s departure.
“If he wants to go, a club will have to meet his release clause,” said Enrique. “I have talked with Pedro to discuss his situation. “I have told him how I think about it and he told me how he feels about it, but I obviously won’t reveal the exact content of the conversation we had.” Pedro has become a fringe player at the Bernabeu with Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, Enrique’s first choice forward line.
As a player who can operate on the wing or through the middle, his versatility appeals to Van Gaal.
The United manager has overhauled his squad this summer and intends to play with Wayne Rooney as his main striker.
Memphis Depay, a £25m signing from PSV Eindhoven, can also play as a more orthodox forward or in wide positions.
Even with the signing of Pedro, Van Gaal would still appear to be light in attack.
United explored the possibility of signing Tottenham’s Harry Kane and are long-term admirers of Gareth Bale.
This week they denied making a bid for Bayern Munich’s Thomas Muller.
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/manchester-united-transfers-pedro-barcelona-9711753