Pedro to Chelsea imminent: Barcelona winger to have medical on Thursday as Blues close in on £22m transfer

Pedro is to undergo a medical in London tomorrow as he closes in on his transfer from Barcelona to Chelsea.

Manchester United have been linked with the player all summer, but the move stalled as they did not meet his £22m release clause, which Chelsea have.

United manager Louis van Gaal had not convinced the player enough that he wanted him, and the Blues have swooped in to complete the transfer, after meeting Pedro's buy-out clause.

United chief-executive Ed Woodward even flew to Catalonia this week, but the clubs could not complete the deal.

Chelsea also remain interested in Everton defender John Stones, but the clubs have yet to agree on a fee for the 21-year-old. The Blues have made a £30m approach, but the Toffees are holding out for £40m.

Pedro, 28, has scored 99 goals in 326 games for Barcelona, and has won five La Liga titles with the club.