Manchester United preparing to pinch back Gerard Pique?

Manchester United (14/1 to win the Premier League) are reportedly keen on re-acquiring Barcelona and Spain centre back Gerard Pique in the January transfer window, in an attempt to shore up their shaky rearguard.

The Red Devils have conceded 12 goals already this term in all competitions, and coach Louis van Gaal is rumoured to be eager to plug the holes in his leaky defence with decorated star Pique.

Spaniard Pique would command a high price, but the 27-year-old’s experience and winning mentality could prove invaluable to United’s injury-plagued and error-prone backline, as the Old Trafford outfit chase a Champions League spot.

The mooted return of Pique would also satisfy the differing factions of fans and media who are torn over the Premier League giants’ recent transfer policy.

After spending four years in the red half of Manchester, regularly representing the youth academy and reserves between 2004-2008, the composed centre back would qualify as a homegrown player, whilst also being a blockbuster buy.

Pique made only 23 appearances in all competitions for United, but still enjoyed silverware success with the northwest club, lifting both the Champions League and Premier League trophies during his time in Manchester.

With the world class defensive partnership of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic standing firmly in the way of first-team opportunities at Old Trafford, Pique returned to boyhood club Barca, who he had originally left to improve his chances of game time.

Having established himself as an invaluable component in the Catalan giants’ record-breaking team, which included four La Liga medals and two further Champions League trophies, the tables now seem to have turned.

Faced with being left out in the cold by the La Liga giants, the Spaniard could seek solace with his former side, where he would likely be one of the first names on Van Gaal’s teamsheet.

Pique has struggled to establish himself in new Barca boss Luis Enrique’s starting XI, and is currently standing in the shadows of first choice centre back picks Javier Mascherano and Jeremy Mathieu.