Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets has claimed that Pedro "deserved" to start more games for the team, amid reports that he is on the verge of signing for Manchester United.

The Premier League giants are believed to be willing to pay the Spaniard's £23m release clause.

While the player himself has denied reports that he wants to leave Camp Nou, the winger has had limited playing time due to the prolific form of Luis Suarez, Neymar and Lionel Messi.

Last season, Pedro, who came through Barca's youth ranks, started just 19 games in La Liga and the Champions League, scoring six goals.

"I wish him the best here, or wherever he goes," Marca quotes Busquets as saying. "He has not had all the playing time that he wanted, and that I believe he deserved."

Pedro scored the winner in Barca's 5-2 victory over Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup on Tuesday.