Man Utd Transfer News: Red Devils Launch Cesc Fabregas Bid

London Evening Standard. United are determined to make a huge signal of intent ahead of the next Premier League campaign, which will be the first ever without Sir Alex Ferguson at the helm following his retirement. And the luring of Fabregas to Old Trafford would put Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger's nose out of joint, with the thought of the Spaniard linking up with former Gunner Robin van Persie at the Theatre of Dreams perhaps too much to bear for the Frenchman. It is understood United have made contact with Barcelona over Fabregas, who left London for the Nou Camp in a £35 million deal just two years ago. The Catalans still owe the Gunners £5 million of that fee and would be looking to recoup at least £20 million from any potential sale. Fabregas has struggled to make much of an impact at Barcelona and has at times come in for some heavy criticism from fans unhappy with his performances. He would be happy to return to the Premier League and he could step into United's midfield to fill the void left by the recently retired Paul Scholes. However, it has been reported Arsenal inserted a clause when they sold Fabregas to Barcelona to ensure they had first option on buying him back, which could yet scupper any such deal.