Manchester United may have to wait until after their game with Tottenham Hotspur to sign Barcelona star Pedro, reports the Daily Express.
This is because the Catalan side are keen to keep the 28-year-old so that he can play in the UEFA Super Cup.
With Lionel Messi and Neymar recovering from their Copa America exertions, the Blaugrana could be short on forwards for the encounter with Sevilla. As a result, the Spain international could be needed to line up with Luis Suarez and another lesser member of the squad in the showpiece event.
The winger may also be needed for the first few La Liga games for the same reason, meaning that he may not arrive at Old Trafford until mid-August. This is despite the Red Devils being ready to trigger his £22 million release clause now, according to the Express.
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Barcelona’s hesitance to agree to a move could have wider ramifications for United.
Angel Di Maria is being heavily linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain [ESPN], but this could be delayed if a Pedro’s deal isn’t confirmed. Being able to play on either wing, the Champions League winner could well be lined up as a replacement for Di Maria. As such, the Argentina international may not be allowed to leave until the wideman has arrived.
Pedro has won almost all there is to win in the game, and managed 11 goals and six assists last season. However, with Suarez, Messi, and Neymar all at the Nou Camp, he has been restricted in the amount of game time he can get. This has led to the player telling Barca that he wants to leave [Metro].