Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Thomas Muller and Pedro Rumours

Manchester United are reportedly set to splash the cash to sign Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller.

According to Karlheinz Wild of Kicker (via Jamie Anderson of the Daily Star), "the Red Devils haven't given up hope of signing the striker, and are busy preparing a £136,000 per-week deal."

The Germany international enjoyed a phenomenal campaign last year, netting 21 goals in all competitions as well as laying on 13 assists.

WhoScored.com illustrates the creativity and incisive forward play Muller would bring to United:

Bleacher Report's own Bundesliga expert Clark Whitney, who describes Muller as "the complete modern footballer," sums up what makes the 25-year-old such an effective player:

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As a producer of goals, either by assisting or directly scoring, Muller is perhaps the best and most consistent player Bayern have had in decades. Per Transfermarkt, he's already recorded 120 goals and 105 assists in his still-young career. His sum of goals and assists has never been less than 31 in a season, his consistency exceeding even [Arjen] Robben and [Franck] Ribery.

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However, Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has consistently ruled out the sale of the forward, and his stance clearly hasn't changed. According to Kicker (via Colin Harvey of the Daily Star), he said: 

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Muller is not for sale. Our English colleagues seem to be unable to spend all of their money.

It's difficult. Everyone knows our old friend Louis van Gaal. He is very stubborn in those things. Maybe he thinks that there is a price where Bayern will start to ruminate, but there is no price at all.

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Unfortunately for United, no matter how much money they are willing to throw at Muller's transfer, he simply isn't going anywhere.

Despite all the money they could give Bayern, and as tempting as it would likely be for Muller to play for United and in the Premier League, Rummenigge has no reason to let his player go unless he desperately wants out.

Selling Muller would be an entirely different prospect than the sale of Bastian Schweinsteiger.

As legendary as the latter is in Munich thanks to his long years of magnificent service, Bayern could afford to let him go—he was on the wrong side of 30, and the likes of Xabi Alonso and Arturo Vidal were on hand to take his place in central midfield.

Until Muller becomes less vital to Bayern—due to a drop in his attacking contribution or the acquisition of more world-class talent—Muller will unquestionably be staying at the Allianz Arena.

Pedro Decision Imminent

According to Fichajes.net (via Metro), "Pedro will decide whether he wants to make a transfer to Manchester United in the 'coming hours'."

The Barcelona forward is nearing the exit door at the Camp Nou after a season of providing cover for the Blaugrana's untouchable attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar.

Ivan Sekretarev/Associated Press

Despite Pedro scoring the winning goal for Barca in their thrilling UEFA Super Cup final with Sevilla, sports journalist Jonas Giaever believes the match only served as a further indication that he will leave:

United boss Van Gaal admitted the transfer was now in the Spaniard's hands, per ESPN FC:

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Van Gaal: Decision with Pedro http://t.co/MZUSNcbmpl

— Panama Rock Radio (@panamarhradio) August 14, 2015"

The Red Devils sorely need another goalscorer in their squad following the departures of Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao. They also lack some creativity going forward, with Angel Di Maria having joined Paris Saint-Germain.

Pedro, therefore, represents an ideal addition to United, having scored 11 goals and made nine assists in all competitions last season, despite largely featuring as a substitute.

The 28-year-old's cool finishing, intelligent runs and wonderful vision ensure he and his new team-mates would thrive if he made the switch to Old Trafford.

His move to United is seemingly edging ever closer all the time. Barring a significant U-turn from the Spaniard, expect Pedro to don a red shirt sooner rather than later.