Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is ready to muscle rivals Liverpool out in the chase for Barcelona forward Pedro Rodriguez.

The Spanish schemer has been strongly linked with Liverpool in recent weeks, with the Reds claimed to be the only side prepared to pay upwards of €20m to sign the Barcelona star.




But now Manchester United have appeared on the scene and according to Spanish daily Marca, Van Gaal is preparing to lodge a bid later this week for the forward.

The Red Devils are expected to offer between €25m and €29m to sign Pedro and are hopeful of reaching an agreement with Barcelona.
 

 

Though Barcelona coach Luis Enrique does not want to part with Pedro, there is an acceptance at the Camp Nou that the forward needs regular first team football ahead of Euro 2016 next summer.

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And Barcelona are prepared to consider allowing the forward to leave if a bid in excess of €25m arrives.

Manchester United are already working on a deal for Pedro and are aiming to make progress next week by slapping in an official bid.

Van Gaal is keen to bolster his attacking options following the departures of Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie this summer.