Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Pedro and Javier Hernandez Rumours

Manchester United are the favourites to sign FC Barcelona winger Pedro after Premier League champions Chelsea have ruled themselves out of the race for his signature.

The Red Devils could even help fund part of the deal by offloading Mexican striker Javier Hernandez. But it's the potential Pedro deal that will really catch the eye of United supporters.

They have good reason to be excited after Jamie Jackson of the Guardian revealed that Old Trafford transfer fixer Ed Woodward is already making moves to lure Pedro from Barcelona:

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Woodward had always planned to leave the trip this weekend, but he is currently addressing Louis van Gaal’s hopes of signing Barcelona’s Pedro and putting in place plans to replace David De Gea, should the goalkeeper join Real Madrid in a deal that United will only allow if Sergio Ramos moves the other way.

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In an earlier report, Jackson had already confirmed the Red Devils are willing to meet Pedro's £22 million release clause. He indicated the signing is key to manager Louis van Gaal's tactical plans for the new season: "The Dutchman wants to play 4-3-3 and Pedro’s versatility in being able to operate across the frontline is attractive."

Van Gaal has always been more at home with a 4-3-3 formation during his illustrious career in management. That probably made last season's flirtation with 3-5-2 all the more difficult for United's faithful to bear.

Pedro certainly fits the bill as a player who thrives as part of a fluid front three. He's blessed with the pace to stretch any defence, along with crafty movement to exploit gaps between the lines.

Along with fellow new boy Memphis Depay, another fleet-footed wide forward, Pedro would add quickness and fluidity to United's attack. The lightning-fast duo would be the perfect foil for the creative instincts of playmaking centre-forward Wayne Rooney.

This signing would certainly be a coup for United. There are also few obstacles left in the Old Trafford club's path.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho appeared to rule out a bid for Pedro during an interview with Sky Sports News HQ (h/t Sky Sports): “I have five wingers, if I lose one maybe I am interested in another but at this moment I have balance and quality and numbers."

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

Spanish newspaper Marca (h/t Sport Witness) also indicate there will be no complexities regarding Pedro's release clause:

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Marca say Manchester United will this week approach Barcelona with an offer of £18m, which would go up to £20m. They go on to say that "everything indicates" that the clubs will reach an agreement, and there's little chance Manchester United would even be bothering if they didn't know Pedro would say yes.

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Landing Pedro for just over £20 million would be the closest thing to a bargain today's transfer market can produce. Van Gaal's new-look squad would certainly be a major player in this season's Premier League title race with the prolific Spain international in the fold.

Hernandez Could be Headed to Tottenham Hotspur 

With a second new attacker possibly arriving at the club, Van Gaal will be keen to clear the decks. So why not start with the man he sent on loan to Real Madrid last season?

Oscar del Pozo/Associated Press

Sky Italia's Gianluca Di Marzio (h/t Metro's Jamie Sanderson) claims Hernandez is a target for more than one top-flight club in London, including Spurs: "But West Ham have already made a £9 million bid for his services, and now transfer insider Gianluca Di Marzio says Tottenham have joined the hunt."

But the same report also reveals how Hernandez's £100,000 per wages are a real stumbling block. That makes sense considering how much the 27-year-old has gone off the boil since his brilliant debut season in 2010.

Alberto Saiz/Associated Press

Then Hernandez helped United to a league title while establishing a niche as arguably the deadliest poacher in England's top flight. But the ruthless finishing that marked his game during that campaign steadily disappeared.

Reduced playing time every season since certainly hasn't helped. But there's no doubt Hernandez appeared to lose his confidence during his last stint with United.

Yet he hardly rediscovered his swagger in La Liga. Hernandez managed just eight goals in domestic and UEFA Champions League action for Los Blancos last season, according to WhoScored.com.

But parting ways with Hernandez isn't an easy choice. After all, United lack true strikers behind Rooney, save for still raw youngster James Wilson.

Hernandez is also currently recovering from a collarbone injury. The ailment could delay his United exit, according to Manchester Evening News writer James Robson.

On the other hand though, he is not much of a combination player. He won't be a factor in the kind of possession-based game Van Gaal loves.

Given the outlay the club has made this summer, United need to clear the decks and recoup some cash. This sale would be a great start.

Hernandez would certainly soon be forgotten about if Pedro is brought on board.