Manchester United target Pedro: Barcelona boss Luis Enrique says transfer situation 'not good'

Barcelona manager Luis Enrique admits winger Pedro Rodriguez is in a "difficult situation" as speculation continues over a possible move to Manchester United. The Spain international could not help Barca overcome a four-goal deficit in the Super Cup second leg on 17 August, losing 5-1 on aggregate to Athletic Bilbao following a 1-1 draw at the Nou Camp.

While Enrique had no problems with the performance of Pedro, he recognises the 28-year-old –who has spent his entire professional career with the Blaugrana – is playing under increased scrutiny in Catalonia.

"It's difficult for him, very. He always gives everything but this is not a good situation for him," he said, according to the Daily Mail. "I just want transfer market to close so that I can know which players [I] have and which ones I don't."

Manchester United have already made some big-name signings this summer, with Morgan Schneiderlin, Matteo Darmian, Memphis Depay and Bastian Schweinsteiger all arriving at a cost. Argentine goalkeeper Sergio Romero has also been drafted in on a free transfer.

Pedro would offer Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal another option in attack if he were to arrive at Old Trafford, but the club continue to stall over the £22m ($34.5m) buy-out clause in his current Barca contract.

The Mail claims Ed Woodward flew to Barcelona on 17 August in an effort to negotiate a deal for the player but left without moving the situation forward. The two parties now have less than a fortnight to agree terms on a move. Were Pedro to leave Barcelona, they would be unable to replace him on the pitch immediately as Fifa's registration ban means they cannot field any new signings until January.