Reports: Manchester United set to join Chelsea in race for Pedro's signature

Pedro is frustrated with his lack of playing time at Barcelona

Manchester United are set to rival Premier League champions Chelsea for the signing of Pedro Rodriguez from Barcelona by triggering his £22 million release clause at Nou Camp, The Guardian reports. Jose Mourinho had spoken to the Spaniard and reports had indicated that the 27-year-old was set to move to Stamford Bridge after further talks with former Barca teammate Cesc Fabregas.

But United are prepared to go head-to-head with their title rivals and are willing to match Chelsea in their bid to meet the player’s release clause. The Old Trafford club have been busy in the transfer window so far with manager Louis van Gaal looking to shake up the squad in his second season at England.

The Red Devils have already signed Memphis Depay, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Morgan Schneiderlin and Matteo Darmian but the Dutchman had hinted however that the summer activities were not done yet. He made his intentions clear stating that he wanted to add at least two more players to his team as they prepare for a return to the UEFA Champions League in addition to challenging for domestic glory.

The Red Devils face a shortage of options up front after letting go of Robin van Persie, who joined Fenerbahce and Falcao, who has penned a similar deal to the one he had at Old Trafford last season with Chelsea. Javier Hernandez’s future is uncertain as he mulls a move to the MLS and that leaves only club skipper Wayne Rooney and teenager James Wilson as the only recognised strikers.

Pedro can double up as a striker as well as play on the wings and this versatility is understood to have attracted Van Gaal’s attention. The player himself could be tempted of a move abroad after falling down the pecking order at the Catalan giants. He has found his playing time dwindle following Luis Suarez’s arrival at Nou Camp and with the Uruguayan coming into his own towards the latter stages of the season, Pedro’s future in Spain does not look bright.

Though Pedro signed a four-year contract extension with Barca ahead of the Champions League final against Juventus, Spanish publication Sport had reported that the release clause was lowered from £150 million to £30 million with a view of allowing the long-serving Spaniard to leave if an appropriate offer came their way.

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has said that he wants Pedro to stay but added that in the end it was the player’s decision to remain at the club or not, triggering talks of a possible exit. The destination looks likely to be England, with the two Premier League heavyweights set for a transfer tussle.