Luis Enrique does not want to lose him and has made concerted efforts to dissuade Pedro Rodríguez from leaving with public statements of admiration. However, with his killer trident poised to continue bringing home the goals, the Spanish coach knows he cannot offer the player the opportunities for glory he desires.

Despite the fact that his contract was extended until 2019 not so long ago, the international winger is increasingly close to saying goodbye to Barcelona after six seasons in the first team at the Camp Nou. If everything comes together he will sign for Manchester United, a club back in the Champions League this year and with an exciting project for the forthcoming campaign.

According to those close to Pedro, talks with the English club are so advanced that the deal could even be announced this week, while the player is away with his current team on the American tour (in fact Barça and United are due to meet in a friendly on Saturday).

There are two elements that have led to this acceleration in proceedings. One is the combination of the start of the Premier League, on 8th August, coupled with the Champions League play-offs, a hurdle United need to overcome to make it into the group-stage draw. And the second is Barcelona's interest in cashing in from a major sale this summer. As things stand the club has spent almost €60 million on Aleix Vidal and Arda and only brought in €6m for the Deulofeu transfer.

Pedro's release clause stands at €150m, but the 'Azulgranas' would be willing to let him go for less than €30m.