Barcelona have named Manchester United transfer target Pedro in their squad for the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup, reports ESPN.
This may come as a major blow for the Red Devils, who had been tipped to sign the 28-year-old after he had taken part in Barca’s UEFA Super Cup encounter with Sevilla [MARCA]. However, Pedro’s selection for the Super Cup may indicate that the chance of a move is less likely, particularly as the transfer window draws to a close, potentially leaving Louis van Gaal short in offensive areas ahead of the new campaign.
However, Pedro’s selection could also be evidence that the Premier League outfit are merely going to have to wait until nearer the end of the month to get their man, after teammate Neymar contracted mumps [Daily Mirror]. With the Brazilian stuck on the sidelines, the Spain international becomes more important to the first team, making it hard for Barcelona to let him go.
It is important to note, however, that even with Neymar absent for the European Super Cup match against Sevilla earlier this week, Pedro could not secure himself a starting berth, so the Catalan giants are not short of attacking options.
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United are in need of the forward after selling Angel Di Maria to Paris Saint-Germain. The 27-year-old endured a torrid season at Old Trafford after signing for £59.7 million last summer [according to the club’s official website], and was allowed to go to the Ligue 1 champions for as little as £44.3 million [BBC].
Pedro is available for €30 million according to ESPN. Having won the treble last season as well as the World Cup and European Championships with Spain in the past, he could not only be cheaper option than the departed Argentina international, but also a better one as well.