Manchester United Transfer News: Reds Must Act Quickly to Secure Cesc Fabregas

If Manchester United want Cesc Fabregas to be playing at Old Trafford next season, they must act quickly.

According to Mark Ogden of the Telegraph, United are still confident of landing the midfielder despite Barcelona manager Tito Vilanova’s claims the Spaniard wants to stay with the La Liga champions. 

Vilanova’s comments didn’t completely suggest a deal was inconceivable though, as reported by the Telegraph.

"

But Cesc has told me he wants to stay here.

He has told me it is his dream to stay with Barcelona. He doesn’t want to go to other teams for money reasons or playing time.

He knows there is competition for places here, but his decision is to stay. I am relaxed about the situation.

"

Rather than issuing a hands-off warning, Vilanova suggested Fabregas wants to remain in Catalunya, implying that if he wanted to leave there might be a way.

Manchester United can guarantee Fabregas first-team football in a side expected to challenge for the Premier League and Champions League, but they must prove to Fabregas his importance to their project by making a prompt move.

The prospect of Fabregas lining up alongside Robin van Persie is hugely exciting for United fans after the pair's impressive connection at Arsenal, and the Spaniard would also chip in with a fair chunk of goals to remove some of the pressure off the Dutch striker’s shoulders.

United’s midfield is crying out for a creative spark, and the Spaniard is more than capable of stepping into the breach to help David Moyes begin the near impossible task of following Sir Alex Ferguson.

With Paul Scholes’ retirement and Darren Fletcher still fighting ulcerative colitis, United desperately need a new midfielder as they seek to retain their Premier League title.

Fabregas featured in 32 of Barcelona’s league games last season, but he was often utilised as a makeshift striker with the midfield trio of Sergio Busquets, Xavi and Andres Iniesta hard to shift.

By acting quickly, United can show Fabregas that he is central to their midfield plans for next season—a role he is far from guaranteed with his current club.

As the Premier League and European elite strengthen their sides in the summer, Manchester United can’t afford to wait any longer to make a high-profile signing. They must convince Fabregas to sign.