Manchester United are reportedly planning to make an audacious £20 million bid for former defender and Barcelona player, Gerard Pique.
The Spanish centre-back spent three seasons with the Red Devils after graduating from Barcelona's La Masia youth academy, before the Catalan team brought him back to the Camp Nou in the summer of 2008.
He has gone on to establish himself as one of the best in his position in Europe, but gets limited game time under new Barcelona coach, Luis Enriqe.
Louis Van Gaal has been told that he has money to spend in the next transfer window and he's identified a centre-back as his top priority, with a club source revealing Van Gaal's desire to bring Pique to United.
"The manager knows he still needs to strengthen his defence and he would love to sign Pique," the source told Star sport.
"He (Pique) is a former United player so he knows the club and Pique is a player he can build his defence around. Signing him from Barcelona won't be easy though."
Alongside Carles Puyol, Pique has been a key figure in four La Liga winning campaigns and two Champions League victories after he returned to his hometown club.
However, the World Cup winner has fallen down the pecking order and United could be a preferred destination as he seeks regular first team action.
The 27-year-old has made just five appearances this season, with Enrique preferring to line up Jeremy Mathieu and Javier Mascherano at the heart of Barcelona's defence.
At United, Pique will be guaranteed a starting role in a team that Louis Van Gaal is looking to rebuild into a championship winning side.
The 6ft 4in star may be reluctant to leave, however, because of his girlfriend, Shakira's desire to remain in the warmer climate of Barcelona, rather than Manchester's colder environment, and he confirmed that he is happy at Barcelona in a recent interview.
"You never know what the future holds, but right now," he told Marca.
"I love this city, I love the people in the club, and most importantly, I love the institution. I don't see myself leaving."
Pique has made 272 appearances for Barcelona and has scored 21 goals.
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