United have reportedly identified the Spain international as a potential summer acquisition as they seek to bolster their forward line.
Barca have repeatedly insisted that there have been no bids for the 28-year-old, but the president of Pedro’s first club, CD San Isidro, says that he has been informed of the winger’s impending move to the Premier League.
Van Gaal has now revealed that he intends to buy a player with pace and creativity, and has hinted that Pedro may be the player he targets.
"Barcelona have the speed of Neymar and [Lionel] Messi -- and they have Pedro behind them. We have to compete with that,” he told The Sun.
"We can win the title if we can buy players with speed and creativity. We have to improve our selection in that way.
"Bayern Munich have [Franck] Ribery and [Arjen] Robben. After that they can change with [Thomas] Muller and they also had [Xherdan] Shaqiri at times.
"They are our competitors. Chelsea have [Eden] Hazard, Willian, Oscar - that is speed and creativity."
Pedro made 50 appearances for Barca in all competitions last season, scoring 11 goals.
