Manchester United have stepped up negotiations with Barcelona over a deal to sign former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas.
Standard Sport revealed earlier this month that United wanted the 26-year-old to strengthen their midfield next season and they have now opened talks with Barcelona.
Fabregas has become a fringe member of the squad after two years at the Nou Camp and his first-team chances could be limited further with the arrival of Neymar from Santos.
It is understood the Spain star is interested in joining friend and former Arsenal team-mate Robin van Persie at United. Arsenal have first option to buy the midfielder back as part of the agreement which saw him join Barcelona for around £35m in 2011, but United are confident that will not be a stumbling block.
Along with Fabregas United have also enquired about another Barca midfielder, Thiago Alcantara, and they want to send out a real signal of intent following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement and arrival of new coach David Moyes.
