Pique agrees return to Barcelona

Barcelona will sign Manchester United's Gerard Pique after the defender agreed a four-year deal at the Nou Camp.

The 21-year-old left the Catalan giants to join United as a trainee in 2004, but has never been a regular.

Pique's signing is part of a major revamp of the squad at Barcelona under new coach Josep Guardiola.

He made 13 appearances for United last season, scoring twice, in the Champions League win over Dynamo Kiev in November and the 1-1 draw at Roma in December.

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Pique initially signed a five-year deal at Old Trafford and his contract was due to expire next summer.

He has always been regarded as an outstanding youngster, but he has been unable to break up the established central defensive partnership of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.

Barcelona are set for a major reshuffle this summer, with president Joan Laporta keen for the club to improve on this season's third place finish in La Liga.

Frank Rijkaard has already been replaced as manager by Guardiola, while Brazilian playmaker Ronaldinho and striker Samuel Eto'o could also be on their way out of the club.

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