Manchester United: Nolito 'would like to rejoin Barcelona' amid Pedro replacement speculation

Celta Vigo forward Nolito has admitted he would love to return to Barcelona after reports claimed he has been chosen by the Catalan side to replace Pedro Rodriguez if he leaves the club to join Manchester United.

Mundo Deportivo reported earlier in August that Luis Enrique's side have approached both Celta and Nolito in a view towards making a move for the Spain international should Pedro leave the Camp Nou.

The Spanish publication claimed that with him having a €18m (£12.9m, $20m) release clause at Celta, Barcelona were ready to pay £10m plus add-ons to secure his services – although the offer was pending on Pedro's departure.

The 28-year-old winger left the Catalan side in the summer of 2011 to move to Benfica because, ironically, Pedro's presence in the first team blocked his breakthrough. But having since progressed both at the Portuguese side and Celta, while also becoming an international with Spain, the Catalans look ready to give Nolito another chance.

Luis Enrique managed him during both his spells in the Barcelona B team and at Celta Vigo. And Nolito has now claimed that, even though he is yet to be contacted by Barcelona, he would like to re-join the La Liga holders.

"You can't say no to Barcelona, in the case that they pay the clause of €18m. Barcelona are one of the best teams in the world. We're not idiots," Nolito said, as quoted by AS. "But what is being said is all lies. I have not received an offer from Barcelona, and as far as I know the club hasn't either. I've said it all along, Celta are in charge because I have a release clause of €18m."

Nolito claimed he has receive offers from other clubs but assuring that the only chance of him leaving Celta would be to return to the Camp Nou. He said: "I have had a lot of offers, financially they were very lucrative, but I am happy here. I feel like a football player and I have noticed the affection of the fans. I'll repeat it again, either I go to Barcelona or I stay at Celta."