Reports from English Tabloid DAILY STAR claim that Manchester United are plotting a shock £20m swoop for Barcelona defender Gerrard Pique. The 27-year-old Spaniard had spent four years of his at Old Trafford before Sir Alex Ferguson allowing him to move to the Camp Nou in 2008 for just £5m. However, the Red Devils are now considering to bring Pique back to Old Trafford.
United are also confident that they can convince Pique to return to the North-West of England. To do this they are planning to offer him a massive wage packet and guaranteed first-team football. New manager Louis Van Gaal’s defense problems are well known. United have lacked the tooth in defense but are looking to substantially add to their back line in the upcoming January transfer window. A few days ago though, they were interested in Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels.
Alongside former captain Carles Puyol, Pique has been the mainstay of the Barcelona defense that won four La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies. But it is now reported that Pique has fallen down the pecking order this season under new manager Luis Enrique. He has made just five league appearances, both new signing Jeremy Mathieu and World Cup runner up Javier Mascherano ahead of him.
Pique though is determined to fight for his place in the squad and in a recent interview said he was enjoying the life in Spain. this might just hint that he is not interested to move elsewhere. “You never know what the future holds, but right now, I love this city, I love the people in the club, and most importantly, I love the institution. I don’t see myself leaving.”
United though have struggled with Marcos Rojo in centre back and with injuries to Johnny Evans, Phil Jones and the error prone Chris Smalling, Van Gaal has had to deal with tough circumstances in his early reign.