Manchester City looking to gazump rivals United for Pedro?

Manchester City have emerged as challengers to their red neighbours for the signature of Barcelona's Pedro.

That's according to Spanish newspaper Marca, at least. They claim that City chief Txiki Begiristain has contacted the Catalan club to express an interest in the forward and has not ruled out making an official bid for him in the next couple of days. In other news, I've not ruled out growing a moustache - doesn't mean I will. Begiristain is of course an ex-Barca man and therefore can speak the same language and knows all the direct telephone numbers and stuff. It means he doesn't have to go through the main reception like Manchester United officials no doubt have to. If Ed Woodward hears another Catalan panpipe tune whilst on hold, so help him God. United are supposedly haggling over the €30m asking price that Barcelona have placed on the player's head. The best they've managed so far is €26m plus €4m in add-ons. I'm no Rachel Riley but that doesn't look too far off Barca's estimation. But this is where City's interest in the nippy forward gets interesting. Because despite Marca suggesting that the Etihad outfit haven't actually made an offer for the player as of yet, they also claim they kinda have. And what an offer it is! City have reportedly scoffed at Barcelona's measly €30m valuation of the player and instead want to pay even more! That's right - City want to pay an extra €2m and refuse to buy the player for one cent less. Now far be it from us to suggest that the City interest is a mere fabrication on Barcelona's part to spook United into paying the full whack for Pedro, but f*ck it - we reckon the City interest is a mere fabrication on Barcelona's part to spook United into paying the full whack for Pedro.