Barcelona talks to lure Pique 'at advanced stage'

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.

"Negotiations with Barca are at a very advanced stage," he told Barcelona's website, www.fcbarcelona.cat.

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

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

"The decision has to be made by other people."

Pique, who is back in Barcelona to prepare for a friendly game between Catalunya and Argentina on Saturday, also spoke highly of new Barca coach Pep Guardiola.

"He was a great player and he has the character you need to coach a side like Barca," he said.

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