United closing in on replacement for Di Maria.
Manchester United could be edging closer to completing the signing of Barcelona winger Pedro ahead of the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea, according to the Daily Express, who cite Italian journalist Tancredi Palmeri.
The Red Devils look in need of a new attacking midfielder to play out wide for next season, with BBC Sport also reporting that a deal for Angel Di Maria to leave for Paris Saint-Germain looks close to completion.
Although United have already brought in Memphis Depay in this transfer window, there’s no question that a big player like Di Maria could need replacing with a proven world class talent, and Pedro has shown throughout his career that he can be a decisive player for a big club challenging for major honours.
The 27-year-old has spent his entire career at the Nou Camp so far, winning five La Liga titles as well as three Champions League trophies. At international level, he has 51 caps for Spain and was part of victorious squads at the 2010 World Cup and 2012 European Championships.
With United short of goalscorers in their side at the moment, a move for Pedro makes sense, and manager Louis van Gaal admitted himself that an attacker of his calibre is what he’s after.
Manchester United missing few details to finalise Pedro deal. Agreement with Barcelona on 32.5m€, 23m£
— Tancredi Palmeri (@tancredipalmeri) July 26, 2015
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“I think we still need more speed in front and also more creativity and that is why I want (Angel) Di Maria to stay, but, we don’t know that so we will have to see,” he told Sky Sports.
“Bayern Munchen – they have Ribery and Robben. Chelsea have Hazard and Willian. Real Madrid: Ronaldo and Bale. Barcelona: Neymar and Messi.
“(Ashley) Young and (Juan) Mata had fantastic seasons with assists and goals but to win the Champions League you need speed also. That is why I think, maybe, we still have to buy a player with speed and creativity.”
Pedro has been linked with Chelsea recently (via the Independent) and also with Liverpool (via the Metro).