The 21-year-old is seen as having the potential to become one of
the best central defenders in Europe by the Blaugrana's technical
secretary, Txiki Begiristain.
Unlike with Cesc Fàbregas, Barça do not view Piqué in the same way
and would welcome him back as he is said to have always maintained
that his dream would be to return to the Catalan club.
United value him highly, but the player's refusal to sign an
extension to his contract at Old Trafford on two occasions has left
the club frustrated.
Piqué's current deal runs until 2009, when he would be eligible to
walk away and join Barcelona on a free transfer if a deal had been
negotiated.
After spending a successful season on loan at Real Zaragoza last
term, the Spain Under-21 international stated that he wanted to try
and break into Sir Alex Ferguson's side.
Rio Ferdinand and Namanja Vidic are the club's first choice
defenders in the middle, while Piqué is some way down the pecking
order at the moment.
It is his personal desire to play for the Barça first team,
however, that has led to speculation in the Catalan press and
ensured that the club believe that they could persuade him to go
back.