Pedro would be a great addition to the EPL

Barcelona winger Pedro has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United

The future of Barcelona’s versatile winger Pedro seems up in the air right now.

There has been speculation that he was signing for Manchester United, then reports this morning claimed that Manchester City are also chasing the World Cup winner.

The Spanish international would definitely be an exciting addition to the Premier League for this season if an English club do manage to snap him up.

Leaving

The speculation over Pedro’s future gathered pace on Tuesday night, when Barcelona’s technical secretary (whatever one of those is) Robert Fernandez revealed to the world that the forward had asked to leave the club.

However, Pedro denied that he asked to leave the club and asked if he had asked to leave he said: “The answer is no, but it’s complicated for many things.

“It’s not for money, as has been said – which is another lack of respect. It’s a question of continuity, of minutes. I’m an ambitious player. Stay or go, I will always be of this team.

“Robert has made some very unfortunate declarations. I’ve crossed two words with him and he doesn’t know what I’ve been through at the club to talk like that of me.

“I know who I am and I will always be of Barca. Such people shouldn’t speak in this way. I’ve not said what Robert’s said, or at least not how I said it.

“I’m calm, happy and I will always continue giving everything if I continue at this club. Manchester? Yes, there are nice challenges on all sides.”

Restricted

A position on the Barcelona substitute’s bench became a familiar one for Pedro last season. It was difficult for the Spanish international to feature in the Barca attack as he had the three South American superstars Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez to compete with.

Pedro once again started on the substitute’s bench for Barcelona’s 5-4 extra-time European Super Cup victory over Sevilla, but as so often came on and made the difference by scoring the winner.

Last season the 28-year-old made 35 La Liga appearances, but 20 of those came from the bench as he struggled for first team starts. He managed to score six goals and produce six more in the Spanish top-flight last season.

Underrated

Pedro is a Barcelona stalwart. He was there through the Pep Guardiola years and is still playing a part in Barcelona’s success. However, he is very much underrated by many. Playing alongside the likes of Lionel Messi and Neymar does that to a player.

In truth though, he has been highly effective for the Catalan giants down the years. In 319 appearances for the European champions in all competitions, he has scored 99 goals and produced 63 assists, which is not bad for a player who has not always been considered a regular first team player.

Speculation

Pedro may not be sure on where his future lies, but it seems that a number of teams in England, including Manchester United are willing to meet the £22million release clause in his contract.

A move to the Premier League does not completely look out of the realms of possibility for Pedro at this moment in time.

The World Cup winner looked set to remain at the Nou Camp when he signed a new contract with Barcelona earlier this year. However, the £22million release clause in his contract was obviously to keep his options open if he wanted to move on this summer.

United have been linked with Pedro all summer and now that Argentinian winger Angel Di Maria has left he seems like he could be an ideal signing for United.

Challengers

Manchester United are seen by some as Premier League title challengers this season and are odds of 11/2 to be crowned champions at the end of the season.

However, it would be fair to say that the signing of Pedro alone may not be enough for Louis van Gaal’s team to mount a genuine title challenge this season.

If United could prise the winger away from the Catalan giants then I have no doubts he would be a good signing. He would play more games for United than he did at Barcelona, so he would get what he apparently wants.

English clubs would be crazy not to look at Pedro as a potential transfer target. He is a winner and has played a part in Barcelona and Spain’s successes for nearly a decade.

Pedro has the experience, talent and attitude to make it in England’s top-flight and I certainly will not be betting against the Spaniard signing for an English club before the transfer window shuts in September.

Is a move to Manchester United right for Pedro?