Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen feels Manchester United target Pedro Rodriguez’s lack of playing time at the club is just down to bad luck.

Manchester United are in advanced negotiations with Barcelona for the signature of Pedro and a deal worth €30m could be agreed in the next few days.




While the club are still trying to hold on to the player, the forward is adamant about leaving the Nou Camp and has reportedly told his team-mates about his desire to find the exit door at Barcelona.

However, Vermaelen is still hoping Pedro remains at the club but stressed he hasn’t spoken to the player about the speculation surrounding his future.
 


"He's a great player and I hope he remains at the club”, the defender was quoted as saying by AS.

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“All I know are the rumors as I have not discussed the matter with him.”

In the presence of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, Pedro is unlikely to receive the amount of minutes he desires before next summer’s European Championship, which is said to be driving his desire to leave Barcelona.

But Vermaelen feels the Spaniard is plain unlucky that he has to compete with a world class trio of forwards to force his way into the Barcelona team.

“He has the bad luck of being in a squad with three world class forwards.”

Louis van Gaal is said to be keen to make Pedro part of his first choice forward line, which includes Wayne Rooney and Memphis Depay.