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Barcelona center back Gerard Pique is apparently considering his options at the club after falling down the pecking order. New manager Luis Enrique has persisted with Marc Batra, Javier Mascherano and Jérémy Mathieu in defense ahead of Pique which hasn’t gone down well with the 27-year old. As a result, the Spaniard could move if a good offer comes in the next transfer window despite Barcelona’s transfer embargo which does not allow them to sign a replacement.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Pique is currently the fourth choice at Barcelona and when Thomas Vermaelen becomes ready to play, he might get demoted further. The former Manchester United man is contracted with the club until 2019 and will cost somewhere around £23.6m. Reports have emerged that Chelsea and Manchester United will try to sign Pique as Chelsea need a long-term replacement for club captain John Terry and Manchester United haven’t really replaced either Rio Ferdinand or Nemanja Vidic.
Pique has appeared in just six games so far this season with the last appearance coming in the Blaugrana’s 3-1 defeat against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. Luckily for Pique, his club form hasn’t cost him his Spanish starting berth as he is still the first choice for his country.
Bayern Munich in the mix as well after Guardiola was spotted with Pique
Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola was in Barcelona to vote in Catalunya’s elections for Independence. Later that day, he was spotted with Pique and his wife Shakira a few miles away from Bayern midfielder Thiago Alcantara’s house in Barcelona City center. The images have started rumors that he could go after Pique as soon as January. Bayern’s defense is a potential area of problem as Holger Badstuber has been ruled out with a long-term injury. Brazilian defender Dante is 31-years of age and will need to be replaced soon.
