Updated at 12.42
CHELSEA ARE LAUNCHING a late bid to sign Barcelona forward Pedro Rodríguez, according to reports.
The 28-year-old attacker had been expected to complete a move to Man United, after being deemed surplus to requirements at Barca, though the latest reports suggest that the player is now in London ahead of a medical.
It is understood that Man United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward flew to Spain this week in an attempt to finalise a €31million deal for the star, but news of Chelsea’s interest in the player is set to complicate matters, with reports now emerging that Man United have gone cold on any prospective deal.
Jose Mourinho’s men reportedly contemplated a move for the World Cup winner last January, though his ineligibility for the Champions League, having played in the competition with Barca already, meant that they ultimately opted to buy Fiorentina’s Juan Cuadrado instead.
The Londoners are also believed to be considering a fourth and final bid of around €56million for Everton defender John Stones.