Pedro to Manchester United: United 'open talks' with £22m Barcelona winger

Spanish winger has a release clause of £22m

Manchester United have opened talks with Barcelona over the sale of winger Pedro, according to reports in Spain.

Marca have reported that the players is keen on a move to Old Trafford. Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu had said earlier this week that Pedro will be allowed to leave the club if his release clause, of £22m is met.

"I refer back to what head coach Luis Enrique said: If someone wants to sign our players then the release clause must be met," Bartomeu said.

"So far, no one has made an offer, so we are calm."

With four years to run on his contract, Barcelona are in no position to be forced to sell unless his buy-out clause is met. However, there is a growing expectation that Pedro will leave the club this summer in a bid to seek regular first-team football as he has found it difficult to usurp Barcelona regulars Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez.

United are keen to rush through a deal due to the earlier start to the Premier League season coupled with the return to the Champions League in the form of an early play-off qualifier.

United face Barcelona tomorrow night during their pre-season tour of America.