Manchester United bids for Barcelona’s Fabregas

A file photo of Barcelona mid-fielder Cesc Fabregas. Photo: AP

Manchester United have made a 26-million-pound (39.3-million-dollar) bid for Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas, British media reported on Monday.

Fabregas, who started in 38 games for the Spanish champions last season, has struggled to rediscover his form in the two years since leaving Arsenal for the Camp Nou.

Arsenal have first refusal on the midfielder for a pre-arranged fee of 25 million pounds, but only if he wants to rejoin them.

United appear to regard the 26-year-old as a replacement for Paul Scholes, who retired at the end of last season.

“I’ve always said that I’m happy at Barca,” Fabregas said last month.