Odds slashed on Man United bringing Barcelona star home

Jose Mourinho has already begun bolstering Manchester United’s backline with the signing of Eric Bailly from Villarreal, and the Red Devils boss could be set to make another huge defensive signing by bringing Barcelona’s Gerard Pique back to the club where he began his career.

The 29-year-old made his United debut against Crewe Alexandra back in 2004 and played 23 times for the north-west giants (no, not Crewe) before leaving for Barcelona in 2008 – inspiring the Catalan club to six La Liga titles, five Copa Del Rey crowns and three Champions League triumphs.

But with Mourinho reportedly keen on luring Pique back to Old Trafford, odds of a return have been cut from 16/1 to 10/1, with the Red Devils now clear favourites to snap up their former teen prodigy.

Their local rivals Manchester City (14/1) are next in the running, meaning we could see a fascinating transfer tussle in the region this summer, though PSG are outsiders to beat both sides to the punch at 16/1.

However, the bookies have effectively ruled out moves to Arsenal (40/1) and Liverpool (50/1), while 100/1 for a move to Real Madrid means the man with Bernabeu in his name will not be playing at the stadium he shares it with.

A Ladbrokes spokesperson said: “It might not be just Pogba returning to familiar surroundings at United this summer, with the Red Devils now favourites to pluck Pique from Barca.”

Man United are 7/2 to win the Premier League next season, though those odds could be slashed if Mourinho can convince the Barca legend to return to the club where it all began for him.

Ladbrokes Latest Odds:

Gerard Pique – Club by end of Summer transfer window

Manchester United – 10/1

Manchester City – 14/1

PSG – 16/1

Arsenal – 40/1

Chelsea – 40/1

Liverpool – 50/1

Real Madrid – 100/1

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.