Manchester United suffered a knock in the pursuit of Barca midfielder Cesc Fabregas when club president Josep Maria Bartomeu confirmed the club were looking to hold on to him.
United pursued Fabregas aggressively last summer but to no avail as he remained in Spain. It was believed United were ready to resume their chase this summer and received encouragement when new Barca manager Luis Enrique dodged questions about the midfielder’s future, despite answering questions on other players, when he was unveiled to the press earlier this month.
But as the story developed it emerged that Arsenal would be favourites for his signature if he did in fact become available, but that isn’t likely to be the case as Bartomeu has confirmed that the 27 year old still has a future with the Catalan side.
Speaking to Onda Cero, Bartomeu is quoted as saying:
“We don’t want to sell players.
“Barca do not want to sell Fabregas or any other players that may appear to be on the market.”
United fans expected the club to blitz the transfer market after a disappointing showing last year contributed to a 7th place finish, but so far United have been reserved in their business, frustrating fans who thought the club would be wrapping up deal before the World Cup started.
