Manchester United: Ed Woodward sets 4 August meeting with Barcelona officials for Pedro deal

Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is expected to meet with Barcelona officials on Tuesday 4 August to "give the final push" to Pedro Rodriguez's move to Old Trafford.

Manager Louis van Gaal has bolstered the squad during the summer transfer window with the additions of Memphis Depay, Matteo Darmian, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin, while also signing goalkeeper Sergio Romero.

But the Dutch boss recently told the Daily Mail his side still needs to address the lack of speed up front, especially considering Angel Di Maria is expected to leave the club to join Paris Saint-Germain.

"We're not on schedule to be champions because we need speed and creativity at the front. Whether we can win the title [in the next two seasons] is dependable if we can buy players with speed and creativity," Van Gaal admitted.

And according to Spanish newspaper Sport, Pedro has been earmarked by the United manager as the player who can address that problem. Old Trafford coach Frans Hoek appeared to confirm the club's interest in the midfielder to the Spanish publication at the end of July, although he admitted the move will be "difficult".

Sport now claims the Canarian winger's move to Old Trafford could be sorted in "a matter of hours" as Woodward has asked Barcelona's official to have a meeting to iron out the deal.

The Catalan publication claims United will launch their definitive bid in a deal that could be close to around £21.1m ($32.9m), pending add-ons. Sport says United do not want to pay more than £17.5m but, with the player's release clause set at £105m, Barcelona are unlikely to negotiate something below the £21.1m. One way or another, Pedro's desire to leave the Catalan club to secure more playing time at Old Trafford may help United secure a deal in the middle of those figures.