United continue pursuit of Barça's Fàbregas
telegraph
Manchester United manager David Moyes continues in his pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fàbregas
Manchester United have not given up on signing Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fàbregas, despite claims they have walked away from a deal.
The sporting director of the Spanish champions, Andoni Zubizarreta, claimed on Sunday United have accepted Barcelonas decision not to sell.
However, United are still keen and hope a £35 million bid will tempt a sale.
Zubizarreta was quoted suggesting David Moyes would no longer pursue the former Arsenal man.
"Manchester United are interested in the player, but it's also true that they understand our position of not wanting to sell," he said.
"They have renounced his signing. We aren't going to sell him."
United remain determined, however, to ensure Fabregas becomes Moyes first major signing.
Earlier bids of £25m and £30m have been rejected, but its believed Fabregas is prepared to hold discussions about a move should Barcelona accept a bid.
The messages from Spain have been decidedly mixed in the past 48 hours as on Saturday, Barcelona manager Gerardo Martino suggested the final decision rested with the player.
Martino said: "I would prefer him to stay with us and I dare say he will, but it's his decision.
He is one of the best players in the squad. I think he will stay. But there's a part that he has to decide
Meanwhile, Fàbregas's team-mates Gerard Piqué and Andrés Iniesta said they are convinced he will stay in Spain.
"Being as good a player as he is, it's normal that clubs will make offers for him, but he has always told me that he wants to stay at Barcelona and triumph here," Piqué said on Monday.
"That's always been his dream and I'm very happy that he's staying. I think he's never been in doubt."
Iniesta added that Fàbregas remained central to the club's plans, saying: "He is indispensable, like everyone else in the squad," said the midfielder.
"He's fundamental to this team, he has performed very well for us so far and is going to do the same again next season."
Manchester United have not given up on signing Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fàbregas, despite claims they have walked away from a deal.
The sporting director of the Spanish champions, Andoni Zubizarreta, claimed on Sunday United have accepted Barcelonas decision not to sell.
However, United are still keen and hope a £35 million bid will tempt a sale.
Zubizarreta was quoted suggesting David Moyes would no longer pursue the former Arsenal man.
"Manchester United are interested in the player, but it's also true that they understand our position of not wanting to sell," he said.
"They have renounced his signing. We aren't going to sell him."
United remain determined, however, to ensure Fabregas becomes Moyes first major signing.
Earlier bids of £25m and £30m have been rejected, but its believed Fabregas is prepared to hold discussions about a move should Barcelona accept a bid.
The messages from Spain have been decidedly mixed in the past 48 hours as on Saturday, Barcelona manager Gerardo Martino suggested the final decision rested with the player.
Martino said: "I would prefer him to stay with us and I dare say he will, but it's his decision.
He is one of the best players in the squad. I think he will stay. But there's a part that he has to decide
Meanwhile, Fàbregas's team-mates Gerard Piqué and Andrés Iniesta said they are convinced he will stay in Spain.
"Being as good a player as he is, it's normal that clubs will make offers for him, but he has always told me that he wants to stay at Barcelona and triumph here," Piqué said on Monday.
"That's always been his dream and I'm very happy that he's staying. I think he's never been in doubt."
Iniesta added that Fàbregas remained central to the club's plans, saying: "He is indispensable, like everyone else in the squad," said the midfielder.
"He's fundamental to this team, he has performed very well for us so far and is going to do the same again next season."
