Txiki On Pique, Transfer Plans

A report in the Daily Mail suggested that Barça were close to agreeing a £6million deal to re-sign Pique, who came through the youth ranks at the Catalan giants before joining United in 2004, and Txiki has confirmed that negotiations are ongoing.

"Talks are at a very advanced stage," he told reporters on Monday. "He is one of the players that we are most interested in."

If Pique does sign on the dotted line then he would become the first signing of what is seen as a new era at the Camp Nou, with Josep Guardiola ready to take the reigns from Frank Rijkaard and attempt to lead the team back to the top after two seasons with a trophy.

Much Activity

There are expected to be a number of comings and goings at the club in the next few months and Txiki confirmed that Jose Manuel Pinto, Lilian Thuram, Edmilson and Santiago Ezquerro will all leave when their current contract expire over the summer.

Brazilian full-back Silvinho will be offered a new contract as "he has done well when called upon" and "has a good influence in the dressing room," but his compatriot Ronaldinho and Portuguese midfielder Deco will both be on their way out.

Txiki suggested that there is a possibly that Samuel Eto'o could depart over the summer, although insisted that the four signings from last summer - Eric Abidal, Gabi Milito, Yaya Toure and Thierry Henry - would all remain at Barça for next season.

New Coach

With Guardiola set to take charge at the end of May, Txiki - who played alongside Guardiola during the 'dream team' years - is glad to have someone coming in that understands "the philosophy of the club and how things work on a day-to-day basis."

He also indicated that Guardiola had already made some requests to the board as to changes that he would like to see implemented in time for next season.

"We have not imposed anything on him. He has requested some changes from us in relation to the control he has over the team and we are analysing those requests in order to conclude whether or not they can be carried out," he concluded.


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