Gerard Pique's United contract expires next summer
| Barcelona are close to agreeing a deal to take Manchester United defender Gerard Pique back to the Nou Camp. The 21-year-old left the Catalan giants to join United as a trainee in 2004, but has struggled to hold down a first team place. Txiki Beguiristain, Barca's sporting director, said talks "are well-advanced", and a deal could be done after the Champions League final. Pique has made 13 appearances for United this season, scoring twice. The Spaniard netted in the 4-0 Champions League win over Dynamo Kiev in November and was also on the scoresheet in the 1-1 draw away at Roma in December. Pique initially signed a five-year deal at Old Trafford and his contract was due to expire next summer. Barcelona are set for a major reshuffle this summer, with president Joan Laporta keen for the club to improve on this season's third place finish in La Liga. Manager Frank Rijkaard has already been replaced by Josep Guardiola, while Brazilian playmaker Ronaldinho and striker Samuel Eto'o could also be on their way out of the club.
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