Shortly after their 3-0 defeat at Manchester City, Chelsea signed left-back Baba Rahman from Augsburg for £21million, and on Wednesday it emerged they were close to signing Pedro.

The Barcelona forward had been in talks with United, but they are no longer in the running for the 28-year-old’s signature.

United sources insist Van Gaal decided against signing the Spain forward after it became apparent he had reservations about moving to Old Trafford.

That may come as a surprise to United fans, who were hopeful of seeing the forward in Manchester soon after executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward flew to Catalonia on Monday in an attempt to seal a deal for the player.

It now looks like Chelsea’s £21million move for Pedro could go through on Thursday, providing the player successfully passes his medical.

The Blues also hope to conclude the signing of Everton defender John Stones before the transfer window shuts on September 1.

United, meanwhile, have turned their attention to Mane.

Despite making five signings this summer, United manager Van Gaal believes his squad lack pace and creativity, and Mane certainly has both those qualities in abundance.

Following his £10million move from Red Bull Salzburg, Mane scored 10 goals in 32 appearances, including the fastest hat-trick in Premier League history in the 6-1 win over Aston Villa.

United sources claimed on Wednesday that the club made a bid to sign Mane last week.

Southampton deny any offer has been submitted for the Senegalese winger, but a spokesman for the south-coast club said Mane is ”not for sale” anyway.