Fabregas set for talks to clarify Barcelona future

Jul 28, 2013 5:00:00 PM

The ex-Arsenal midfielder will meet with new coach Gerardo Martino as he seeks assurances over his role amid interest from Manchester United

By Paul Clennam

Cesc Fabregas will meet with new Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino in the next 48 hours as he seeks assurances over his future at Camp Nou.

The Manchester United target wants to clarify his position with Martino ahead of publicly announcing his intentions this summer, with Barcelona having already rejected two approaches from the Premier League champions for the 26-year-old.

Martino insisted on Friday that the Catalans would also dismiss any further approaches from United for the midfielder, with Goal having revealed last week that the club were preparing an improved bid of €41 million for the former Arsenal star.

Barcelona vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu has also previously ruled out and chance of the club selling the Spain international, insisting: "Whatever offer United make, however big, we will say no. Cesc Fabregas will stay a Barcelona player."

However, Fabregas is keen to meet with his new manager to ensure he remains key to the club's plans next term, and United are understood to be losing heart in their pursuit of the midfielder.

After Thiago Alcantara opted to join Bayern Munich ahead of United earlier in July, Fabregas has emerged as David Moyes' priority signing this summer.

The United boss admitted on Sunday that he was unsure whether his side will continue their efforts to sign Fabregas but insisted he will add to his squad before the close of the transfer window.

"I couldn't tell you if there will be another bid," Moyes said.

"Obviously we'll take stock and make a decision on what we do next but we have a good squad already. You can't forget about the quality that's already here.

"Undoubtedly we hope to add to it and I'm quite confident we'll do that... certainly before the window shuts." -------------------------- goal.com