Barcelona star weighing up sensational Old Trafford switch.
Manchester United have made contact with Barcelona in a sensational bid to bring former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabgreas back to the Premier League, according to ESPN.
The Red Devils are also interested in a Barca’s young playmaker Thiago Alacantra, as incoming boss David Moyes looks to improve his midfield and make a statement in the transfer market.
The Scot is also interested in former Everton charge Marouane Fellaini but Fabregas, 26, tops his summer shopping list and Old Trafford officials are confident that a £25m bid will tempt the Catalans to sell.
The La Liga Champions are also willing to sanction the sale of Alacantra, 22, for around £18m as they look to raise funds for two new defenders and a goalkeeper, following the £50m signing of Brazilian superstar Neymar.
Although Fabregas made 39 appearances for Barcelona this season, the £33m signing from Arsenal has failed to assert himself in an influential midfield role and he has been labelled a flop by some sections of the Nou Camp faithful.
Any move to Manchester United would prove hugely controversial, however. Fabregas spent eight years with the Gunners after arriving from Barca as a 16-year-old and has publicly insisted in the past that he would not play for another Premier League club.
However, it is understood the playmaker is attracted by the role being offered by Moyes, who views Fabregas as a replacement for retired United legend Paul Scholes and United are confident that a Arsenal’s first refusal option will not complicate the deal.
While Fabregas remains in two minds about the move to Old Trafford, Alacantra seems a much more likely arrival although the talented youngster is still unsure if a move to England would be beneficial for his career.
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