Barcelona Transfer Rumours: United's Cesc Fabregas Bid Must Be Rejected

Despite publicly declaring his happiness at Barcelona, Cesc Fabregas is again a subject of interest from Manchester United, according to Mark Ogden of The Telegraph.

His desire to remain in Spain appeared to end the speculation surrounding his future, but now, Ogden suggests that Barcelona are still open to offers for the midfielder:

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It is also understood that Barcelona have indicated to United a figure which would prompt them to consider selling Fabregas, but Moyes is keen to assess the situation before sanctioning another offer following Barcelona’s rejection of bids worth £26 million and £30 million from Old Trafford.

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Although the reported bid being lined up is a sizable £40 million, it should not be enough to make Barcelona part with the creative midfielder.

The La Liga champions have already played a risky game by selling Thiago Alcantara to European conquerors Bayern Munich, in doing so helping former boss Pep Guardiola stamp his mark on the Germans.

United themselves are a club in transition, following the resignation of Sir Alex Ferguson, with David Moyes also looking to assert himself on his predecessor’s league-winning side.

Not so long ago, Barcelona and United were Europe’s hottest properties, contesting the 2009 and the 2011 Champions League finals, and it seems remarkably foolish to assist another European rival in their rebuilding process.

Even by accepting the bid, Barcelona are effectively saying they don’t consider Fabregas indispensable, which may lead him to consider his future.

Yes, he’s struggled to nail down a starting role for the big games—largely due to the telepathic partnership of Xavi and Andres Iniesta—but he still contributed 11 goals last season as Barcelona ran away with the title.

He actually started more games last season than his midfield rivals, quashing the idea he is solely a backup.

Fabregas is the perfect Barcelona player—supreme passing, vision and comfortable in possession—and has only spent two seasons back in Spain. He was their second-top goalscorer last season, and new manager Tata Martino has already stated Fabregas is key to his plans next season, according to Ogden's report. 

Entering into negotiations with United would completely undermine Martino's words. 

As Xavi progresses into his mid-30s, he will have to be used more sparingly, allowing Fabregas to stake his claim for a starting spot for the glamour ties.

Fabregas is crucial to Barcelona's plans of retaining the league and reasserting themselves in Europe, and thus, the team must not consider a bid from United.