Chelsea get ready to pinch Pedro

CHELSEA are likely to make a last-ditch bid to hijack Manchester United’s deal with Barcelona for winger Pedro. United remain in pole position to sign the Spain international after executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward flew to Barcelona for further talks on Monday. Woodward is still confident of a deal once the structure of payments is agreed. However, it is understood Chelsea are ready to go toe to toe with their Barclays Premier League rivals as they look to boost their own attacking options before the closure of the summer transfer window. They had an interest in the 28-year-old earlier in the summer but coach Jose Mourinho was unsure. Now, though, the Premier League champions are back on the scene, with owner Roman Abramovich particularly keen on the player. United’s neighbours Manchester City are also interested in Pedro but will only follow that up if their pursuit of Wolfsburg midfielder Kevin de Bruyne comes to nothing. Pedro has been ready to join United for some time and is aware of the terms of a move to Old Trafford. The longer they prevaricate over the finer points of a fee that must match the £22million buy-out clause in Pedro’s contract, however, the more the door remains open for one of their rivals. Chelsea are looking for reinforcements after winning one point from their opening two league matches, the second of which was overshadowed by Mourinho substituting John Terry at half-time. The captain has a year left on his contract and Fenerbahce hope to sign him on a free transfer. Terry can start negotiations with overseas clubs from January and the Turkish giants will keep tabs on developments regarding the veteran defender’s future ahead of a potential Bosman swoop. Fenerbahce, it is understood, could offer Terry in the region of £2.5m net a season to join, plus a hefty signing-on bonus. Terry will make a decision on his future later in the season but has shown a willingness to move to Turkey in the past. Galatasaray tried to sign him last year and he gave serious consideration to a switch. Fenerbahce are considering replacements for centre-half Bruno Alves, whose current deal expires next season, and Terry will feature on the list if it is clear he is available. They already boast some high-profile European players, including former United pair Robin van Persie and Nani. Given his hero status at Stamford Bridge, the thought of Terry playing for another club would seem inconceivable to some Blues fans. But Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and Petr Cech have all gone on to play for rival clubs in recent years.