Manchester United: Luis Enrique says Barcelona star Pedro transfer saga will end soon

Barcelona manager Luis Enrique has said the Pedro transfer saga will end "soon", amid endless speculation linking the Spaniard with a move to Manchester United.

Pedro's future at the No Camp has been under the microscope in recent weeks after the player expressed his frustration about the lack of playing time at the Catalan side due to the presence of Lionel Messi, Neymar and former Liverpool star Luis Suarez in the Champions League winners' attack.

And with the 27-year-old forward wanting to keep his place in the Spain squad for next summer's European Championship the Daily Telegraph has reported that Louis van Gaal has convinced him to move to Old Trafford by assuring him a regular role in his attacking trinity alongside Wayne Rooney and Memphis Depay.

Barcelona have said that they want to keep Pedro in their ranks, but have admitted they will be unable to stop his departure should the player decide to move away and United meet his full €30m (£21.2m, $32.8m) release clause

But reports in Spain on 10 August said the Catalan side are trying to delay any potential move after Neymar was ruled out of action for two weeks with the mumps – meaning Pedro would be drafted in to cover for him in the European Super Cup final on 11 August against Sevilla and the Spanish Super Cup double encounter against Athletic Bilbao on 14 and 17 August.

Asked ahead of the game against Sevilla whether he will play Pedro despite the risk of suffering an injury, Enrique was quoted by AS saying: "I have never decided to pick a player or leave him out because of the transfer window.

"I would like to keep all my players through the whole season. But we have talked enough about Pedro. The solution will arrive soon."

Meanwhile, Andres Iniesta and Dani Alves have also called for Pedro to stay at the club, admitting that he is the only one who can make a decision.

"He is still our teammate and is here to win the first title of the season. I wish he will stay because he is a great player and he gives a lot to the team," Iniesta said in the press conference ahead of the game against Sevilla.

Alves, meanwhile, added: "It is Pedro's decision. If he stays we will be happy but if he leaves we will respect his decision.

Meanwhile, Mundo Deportivo reports that Manchester City could be looking to hijack the deal after the club's sporting director, Txiki Begiristain, contacted officials from Barcelona to enquire over the forward's availability.