Reports from the UK are suggesting that unsettled Barcelona defender Gerrard Pique could be on his way back to the Premier League.
The Spanish international center back has fallen out of favor at Barcelona and both Manchester United, Pique’s former club, and Chelsea are lining up January bids according to reports from the Daily Mirror.
[ RELATED: Cameron on USA’s progress, Stoke ]
According to the report, Pique is in “crisis talks” with Barcelona over his lack of game time since returning from the World Cup this summer and will speak with Barcelona’s manager Luis Enrique about his future when he returns from the international break in 10 days time.
So, would a switch to Manchester United or Chelsea be good for the Spanish star who had a shaky World Cup but has shown his class for several seasons?
Pique is exactly what United need.
He’s a center back who has won the UEFA Champions League and numerous domestic titles with Barca, plus European Championships and a World Cup with Spain. His pedigree is undoubted and he is too good to be sat on the bench like he is under new Barca boss Enrique. Pique’s connection with United runs strong as he joined them from Barcelona’s academy as a teenager but then returned to his hometown club four years later after failing to break up the legendary defensive duo of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand who were at the top of their powers at that time.
[ RELATED: Fabregas out injured for Spain ]
Given United’s disastrous spell of injuries in defense this season and their general lack of quality in that area, 27-year-old Pique would be a fine buy. As for Chelsea, they are pretty stacked in that department but will soon be looking for a long-term replacement for club captain John Terry as the veteran’s one-year deal runs out at the end of the season.
Let’s see how this one plays out, but Pique’s uncertain future at Barcelona will mean Chelsea, United and plenty of other top clubs will be keeping a close eye on the situation.
