Manchester United target Pedro 'leaving Barcelona for England'

Manchester United target Pedro Rodriguez is on the brink of a move away from Barcelona to join a club in England, according to the president of his former club.

Louis van Gaal is eager to bring the Spain international to Old Trafford, according to the Guardian, and the club are reportedly prepared to meet his £22m release clause.

Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu earlier insisted to ESPN there has been no official approach for the player, but there are growing indications that a move could be imminent.

United coach Frans Hoek, a long-term ally of van Gaal, appeared to confirm United's interest in the player to Spanish newspaper Sport, although he did admit the move was "difficult".

Pedro himself was unable deny claims he will leave the Camp Nou this summer, much to the despair of two female supporters who asked the player about his future at Barcelona following the club's return from their tour of the United States.

Amid this mounting speculation, Jamie Lorenzo, president of Canary Islands based club CD San Isidro who Pedro played before joining Barcelona's academy at 17, has now revealed the player's mother told him a move to the Premier League is looming.

Speaking to El Larguero on Spanish radio station Cadena Ser, Lorenzo said: "The other day Pedro's mother told us he is leaving for England. I think it would be a good challenge for him and he will get more playing time there.

San Isidro, who play in Spain's fourth tier Tercera Division, could also benefit financially from Pedro's move. Lorenzo added his side will be due a windfall of around €450,000 from the reported €30m fee Barcelona will receive due to a sell-on clause in his contract.

United's interest in Pedro is likely to have been prompted by Angel di Maria's imminent departure from the club. Sky Sports claim the club have still not agreed a fee with Paris Saint-Germain for the Argentina international, although manager Laurent Blanc confident of the move happening.

"Regarding Angel di Maria, the case is close to being completed. I am quite positive on this case," the PSG manager is quoted as saying by Goal.