Manchester United set to beat Chelsea in race for Barcelona forward Pedro

Manchester United are set to trigger Barcelona winger Pedro's £22m ($34m) release to bring him to Old Trafford, according to the Guardian.

Chelsea are also interested in the forward, but Pedro is reportedly keen on joining United's set-up with Louis van Gaal looking to close the deal as soon as possible this summer.

The Red Devils have already made four signings thus far, with Morgan Schneiderlin, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Matteo Darmian and Memphis Depay all travelling with the squad to America for their pre-season tour.

However, with Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao being shown the door, United are short up front and would like to bring in Pedro to add more competition and goals in that position.

Moreover, United are also facing the prospect of losing Angel Di Maria, who failed to deliver in his first season at the club and has attracted interest from Paris Saint-Germain, who are willing to pay big money for his signature, according to the Telegraph.

Pedro is looking for regular game time, which he believes he will not get in Barcelona, especially with the likes of Luis Suarez, Neymar and Lionel Messi likely to start the maximum games in the upcoming season.

The Spaniard has won all there is to with club and country, including the World Cup, the European Champions League, the La Liga and the Champions League, and will add some experience to the squad to complement Schweinsteiger.

Van Gaal will have an embarrassment of riches to choose from should the transfer go through, with Rooney making his way through the middle with Pedro and Depay on either side of him providing width.

The Dutchman is also looking to add a defender to the squad and has told Real Madrid that they will only sell David de Gea if they are willing to part with Sergio Ramos in a swap deal, as reported by the BBC.