Premier League giants Manchester United are all set to formally open transfer talks for Barcelona winger Pedro Rodriguez with representatives of both sides scheduled to meet in the United States on Saturday, Sergi Font of Marca reported.
The 27-year-old Spanish forward has reportedly informed Coach Luis Enrique and club president Josep Maria Bartomeu of his desire to leave Camp Nou for Old Trafford club.
United boss Louis van Gaal is ready to trigger the versatile attacker’s release clause of £22m in a bid to wrap up the deal before his side ends their pre-season tour of America.
“Pedro? If he wants to go, a club will have to meet his release clause,” Luis Enrique was quoted as saying by Sport.
Barcelona seems to have resigned to the fact that Pedro is on his way out of the Spanish capital in search of more regular first-team football in the English top flight.
“I would want him to stay, I would love him to stay. He’s 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,” Barca midfielder Sergio Busquets quoted as saying.
The Spain international has never made more than 28 league appearances in a season for Barca.
The Canary Islander is likely to serve as direct replacement for Angel Di Maria, who failed to meet expectations following his big-money arrival from Real Madrid last season and is on the verge of an exit to Paris Saint-Germain.
