Madrid, June 4 (IANS): FC Barcelona announced on Thursday the contract extension of Spanish forward Pedro Rodriguez until the end of June 2019.

The move comes as a slight surprise given that Pedro is currently fourth choice at the club behind the 'trident' of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, although his diminished role this campaign has still allowed him to score 11 goals and give eight assists, reports Xinhua.

Indeed there had been wide speculation regarding the interest of English sides such as Arsenal and Liverpool to try and sign him this summer.

One factor behind Barcelona's thinking is that Pedro has appeared content with his new role and also the fact that the club cannot sign any new players this summer as FIFA has imposed a transfer ban over irregularities in the club's youth system.

Pedro will turn 28 next month and should he see out his full deal will therefore be almost 32 by the time it expires. His buyout clause remains set at 150 million euros (around $165 million).