Man Utd To Hold Formal Talks With Attacker As Van Gaal Eyes Three New Signings

With the summer transfer window in full swing, managers are working hard trying to strengthen their squads ahead of next season so we’ll bring you all the news and gossip. Today, Man Utd close-in on Pedro…

Manchester United will hold formal talks with Barcelona and Pedro’s agents this weekend as Louis van Gaal eyes three further signings before the transfer window closes, according to ESPN.

Pedro has been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent weeks with Spanish outlet El Confidential reporting last week that United were in pole position to sign the attacker this summer.

Barcelona are keen to keep hold of him but Marca claim that Pedro has already informed the Catalans that he wants to join United and with his buy-out clause recently reduced to a very reasonable £22m, there is little Barca could do to prevent him leaving if the Red Devils agree to pay that price.

It looks like the potential transfer will accelerate this weekend as ESPN claim that sources have told them that with the two clubs due to meet in San Francisco tonight, United will take the opportunity to hold formal talks with Barca officials and Pedro’s agents.

The outlet says United are confident a deal can be agreed by the middle of next week, and if the 27-year-old does move to Old Trafford he’s likely to come in as a direct replacement for Angel Di Maria with the Argentinean international likely to join Paris Saint-Germain.

Pedro has been with Barcelona his entire professional career but it’s no surprise he’s looking for a new challenge as he’s behind Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar in the pecking order, so needs to leave in order to get regular playing time.

I think the Spaniard would be an excellent signing and he could be joined by two further new recruits as ESPN claim that van Gaal is also looking to bring in a centre-back and a new striker this summer.

They suggest that Sergio Ramos remains the Dutchman’s prime target but there is a feeling inside the club that Real Madrid may refuse to sell the defender, despite his determination to move to Old Trafford.

READ MORE –> Man Utd transfer news

van Gaal’s striker target remains unclear so we’ll have to wait and see what the United boss has up his sleeve but I’d certain expect him to bring in another forward after selling Robin van Persie and allowing Radamel Falcao to leave when his loan expired.

United have already strengthen their squad with the signings of Matteo Darmian, Morgan Schneiderlin, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Memphis Depay but if they could bring in Pedro, Ramos and a top striker, they would certain be right up there for the title next May.