Transfer News: Chelsea hijacks Pedro from Manchester United

Pedro is set to join Chelsea after the Blues and Barcelona struck a deal on Wednesday for an initial €28 million (AU$42.3 million) plus another €2 million (AU$3 million) in add-ons. The deal topped United’s initial offer of €25 million (AU$37.8 million) up front and up to €5 million (AU$7.5 million) in extras.

Chelsea snatched Pedro from a move to Old Trafford in a bid to strengthen the club’s attacking options before the transfer window closes. Phone calls from Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho and Blues midfielder Cesc Fabregas persuaded Pedro to ditch long-standing interest from United, The Guardian reported. However, it was also reported that United withdrew from pursuing the Spanish forward after the Red Devils’ 3-1 victory against Club Brugge in the Champions League qualifier.

Manchester City had joined the mix in acquiring Barcelona forward Pedro, having made a concrete offer of €32 million (AU$48.1 million) after the Sky Blues failed to sign Wolfsburg midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, reports Sport-English. Wolfsburg declined City’s €70 million (AU$105.4 million) offer for the Belgian international, while De Bruyne himself declared he will not leave Germany this season.

United was the favourite to land Pedro after both parties believed to have agreed on personal terms. According to Sky Sports’ Guillem Balague, United chief executive Ed Woodward flew to Barcelona on Wednesday to speak with the Spanish club, with a definitive offer to come this week to match Pedro’s release clause of €30 million (AU$45.1 million). However, United withdrew after Louis Van Gaal suggested to the club’s management that he is happy with his attacking midfield options.

Meanwhile, Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has expressed his impatience at Pedro’s transfer saga with Premier League clubs. Enrique said Pedro’s uncertainty over his future makes it difficult for the Spanish forward to focus on Barca’s Super Cup campaign, The Star reported. "I want the market to damn well close so that I know who I can count on," Enrique said.

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