Manchester United are poised to complete a stunning double move for Barcelona forward Pedro and Valencia center-back Nicolas Otamendi, according to various reports emanating from Spain.

The news of Pedro’s imminent transfer to the English side should come as no surprise since the Spain international has been heavily linked with a move to United in recent weeks. There has been a firm belief that once Angel di Maria’s transfer to Paris Saint-Germain was finalized and Barcelona had participated in the UEFA Super Cup that Pedro would soon trade the Camp Nou for Old Trafford.

Yesterday, prior to their 5-4 victory over Sevilla, Barcelona’s sporting director confirmed that Pedro had asked to leave the club. Following the match, the veteran player denied making those comments but failed to rule out a possible departure from the club.

“[The sporting director] has made some very unfortunate declarations,” Pedro said after his extra-time goal defeated Sevilla and handed Barcelona the UEFA Super Cup. “I’ve crossed two words with him and he doesn’t know what I’ve been through at the club to talk like that of me.

“I know who I am and I will always be of Barca. Such people shouldn’t speak in this way. I’ve not said what he said, or at least not how I said it.

“I’m calm, happy and I will always continue giving everything if I continue at this club. Manchester? Yes. there are nice challenges on all sides.

“Today I’m here and I’m happy. And if I go I will go with my head held high having always given everything. These fans and this club are incredible.”

Rumors continue to persist that Pedro will join Manchester United in the coming days.

Now, according to reports emanating from Valencia, United appear to be closing in on the signing of Argentine defender Nicolas Otamendi.

United were heavily-linked with the player for much of the summer but appeared to put a deal for the player on the back burner while the club pursued the signing of Sergio Ramos. However, the Real Madrid captain is poised to sign a new contract which will keep him at the Bernabeu until 2020, and United have once again turned their attention towards Otamendi.

According to a report form a Valencia-based TV station, SillasGol, there has been “movement” in a potential move for Otamendi. The news program claimed it had ‘tax-based’ proof that United had started the paperwork to sign the defender from Valencia.

Otamendi has a £36 million release clause which United have been reluctant to pay. However, with Ramos set to re-sign with Real Madrid and defender Phil Jones ruled out for several weeks with an injury, it appears the club is finally ready to pull the trigger on Otamendi.

Speculation is that an official announcement will be made before United kick-off against Aston Villa on Friday. United would like to confirm the transfer as quickly as possible, before the defender participates in the first leg of Valencia’s Champions League play-off against AS Monaco next week.