Neymar illness puts Pedro's Manchester United transfer on hold as forward flies out for Super Cup

The Brazil star has come down with a case of mumps and according to Catalan daily Sport that means Barcelona will not sanction Pedro’s departure.

Barcelona play Sevilla in the European Super Cup in Georgia on Tuesday night and Pedro will be required to play alongside Luis Suarez and Messi in Neymar’s absence.

Barcelona and United were said to be in “very advanced negotiations” over a deal for the Spain international with meetings taking place on Saturday night.

United are said to be keen to complete the deal before their Champions League play-off against Club Brugge, the first leg of which takes place on August 18. However, the deadline to register players for that match is today.

But Neymar’s illness has put the process on hold with Pedro travelling to Tbilisi for the match against Sevilla.