Chelsea Open Talks To Hijack Man Utd’s Deal For Spanish Attacker

With the summer transfer window approaching it’s climax, managers are working hard trying to strengthen their squads for the new season so we’ll bring you all the news and gossip. Today, Chelsea have entered the race for Pedro…

Chelsea have launched a last ditch attempt to hijack Manchester United’s move for Pedro Rodriguez after opening talks with Barcelona over a deal for the Spanish attacker, according to the Telegraph.

Pedro’s future at the Nou Camp has been brought into question this summer and he’s been strongly linked with a move to Man Utd in recent weeks as Louis van Gaal looks to bring in a replacement for Angel Di Maria following his move to PSG.

The Express reported earlier this week that United chief executive Ed Woodward had flown out to Spain to hold further negotiations with Barca officials as the two clubs continue to haggle over Pedro’s £22m fee.

A move looked to be on the cards when the 27-year-old admitted after last week’s Super Cup victory over Sevilla that he may be forced to leave his boyhood club in search of regular first team football and even he hinted at a move to United.

Pedro’s quoted as saying by the Express:

“It it is a difficult, complicated situation. When you know you may leave, it is difficult.

“The truth is that I had a good chance to play [in the Super Cup]. The coach has decided not to count on me. I don’t know, I don’t know if I will continue here.”

“Manchester? Yes, there are nice challenges on all sides. Today I’m here, and I’m happy. And if I go, I will go with my head held high having always given everything.”

Sky Sports News then reported yesterday that Pedro had already agreed personal terms over a move to Old Trafford so it looked like it was only a matter of time until the Spanish international would be heading to United.

However, in a dramatic late twist, the Telegraph are claiming today that Chelsea have made a last ditch attempt to hijack United’s move after opening talks with Barcelona themselves and aim to convince Pedro to move to Stamford Bridge instead.

The newspaper says that the Blues almost signed Pedro in January before opting for Juan Cuadrado so it appears Jose Mourinho has now renewed his interest after Chelsea’s stuttering start to their title defence.

The defending Premier League champions have taken just one point from their opening two games and were humbled 3-0 by Manchester City on Sunday, so it looks like Roman Abramovich is ready to give the green light to some last minute additions.

It remains to be seen whether Chelsea will be able to derail United’s move for Pedro at this stage but with the Red Devils still to agree a deal with Barcelona, the door is still wide open for Mourinho to snatch the attacker away from Old Trafford.

It’s going to be interesting to see how this all plays out over the next few days but I think whoever ends up winning the race for his signature will be getting an excellent deal as £22m for a player of Pedro’s quality in today’s market is a relative bargain.

READ MORE –> Chelsea transfer news | Man Utd transfer news

Despite not always being a regular, Pedro has still scored 99 goals in 320 games for the Catalans, so he’ll certainly bring an added goal threat and his versatility will also come in useful as he’s capable of playing anywhere across the front line.

United must still be in pole position as they’ve held extensive talks with Barca and the players camp, but I wouldn’t bet against Chelsea being able to successfully hijack the deal.