Manchester United have had an improved second bid for Barcelona’s Cesc Fabregas reportedly turned down by the Catalan club.
The second bid, believed to be worth £30m plus addons, was firmly rejected by the managerless Spanish champions whose boss Tito Vilanova stepped down after just one season in charge to battle throat cancer.
“Fabregas is not for sale,” a Barcelona source is believed to have said on Monday.
Further reports suggest that Newcastle United’s Yohan Cabaye may now show up on United boss David Moyes’ backup shopping list for a midfield general alongside Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini who is believed to have a release clause worth £22m in his contract which must reportedly be activated by August 14 or the Belgian will be staying with the Toffees.
Former Arsenal captain Fabregas has hinted he might be up for a return to the Barclays Premier League but Barcelona are clearly unwilling to sell and United must first hope that Arsenal – Fabregas’ former club – don’t also join the bidding as they have first refusal on any departure by their former captain from Barcelona.