Pique talks up Barca return

Manchester United defender Gerard Pique claims a deal to take him back to Barcelona is at "an advanced stage".

Pique left the Nou Camp to join United in 2004 at the age of 17.

However, after failing to make his breakthrough in England the Catalan youngster is looking for a return to his former club and told Barcelona's website, www.fcbarcelona.cat: "Negotiations with Barca are at a very advanced stage."

"I like the idea of being able to play in a Barcelona shirt again.

He added: "At the moment there's nothing official. Now we just have to wait for more details.

"At the moment the decision has to be made by other people."

Pique also spoke highly of new Barca coach Pep Guardiola saying: "He was a great player and he has the character you need to coach a side like Barca.

"A new project is starting with Guardiola and there is a lot of new hope."