Man United transfers: Five players Louis van Gaal could sign after losing Pedro to Chelsea

Louis van Gaal has been left red-faced after Pedro has chosen Chelsea

MANCHESTER UNITED have suffered an embarrassing blow in their pursuit of Barcelona winger Pedro.

 

The Spain international is now set to join Chelsea despite Ed Woodward's best efforts to convince him to join United.

Louis van Gaal had earmarked the winger to add another element of pace into his United side after the sale of Angel di Maria.

 

But it appears the Dutchman is one of the main reasons for the snub.

Pedro is understood to have spoken to former team-mate Victor Valdes, as well Chelsea's Cesc Fabregas, before making up his mind.

And Van Gaal's treatment of Valdes has counted against him.

United, however, are still desperate to add some stardust to their squad, and Express Sport have evaluated their remaining options.

 

Nicolas Gaitan

The 27-year-old Benfica star is one on Van Gaal's list.

And the Argentina winger has recently turned down a big money move to the UAE, leaving his situation uncertain.

A 24.6million release clause means he would be more expensive than Pedro.

 

Thomas Muller

The World Cup winner has put his Bayern Munich future in doubt this week, as News News Blog Sport exclusively revealed he wants a switch to Old Trafford.

That has been followed up by today's reports in Germany which suggest an €85m (£60m) bid has been made by United.

Muller would be seen as a game-changer for Van Gaal, who worked with him during his time in Germany.

And while Bayern are notoriously difficult to buy from United have already signed Bastian Schweinsteiger this summer.

 

Edinson Cavani

The Uruguay striker would offer United an option in a more central role, however he has been used out wide at PSG to accommodate Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

United currently look light through the centre with just Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and youngster James Wilson.

But the move for Pedro hints that they are happy to go with that and would prefer another winger to compliment Memphis Depay, Ashley Young, Juan Mata and Adnan Januzaj.

 

Gonzalo Higuain

Another who would offer more through the middle, Higuain is keen to leave Napoli if they can find a buyer.

However the Serie A side are holding out for a staggering £66.8million.

The former Real Madrid man came close to joining Arsenal before securing his switch to Napoli but with them failing to qualify for this year's Champions League he wants to move on.

 

Juan Cuadrado

The Colombia winger was on United's shortlist after an impressive World Cup, but eventually moved to Chelsea.

His move to the Bridge hasn't worked out and Chelsea are happy for him to leave.

And while a move would be controversial Chelsea have sold Mata to United and Petr Cech to Arsenal, so not totally out of the question.