Barcelona Midfielder Cesc Fabregas Closing in on Manchester United Despite Chelsea Interest

Manchester United have reportedly stepped up their interest to sign Chelsea midfield target Cesc Fabregas.

The Barcelona midfielder has been a transfer target for the top clubs in England, with Jose Mourinho's side reportedly closing in on signing him on a £30m deal. He has also been linked with a move to his former club Arsenal, while Manchester City are also in the race for his signature.

The Mirror reports that Old Trafford will be Fabregas' next likely destination, despite interest from Chelsea, Arsenal and City in recent times. The Catalan club no longer requires the services of the Spain international and Barcelona are ready to part ways with their player for £30m this summer.

The 27-year-old has attracted interest from top clubs across Europe as Russian outfit Zenit St Petersburg and Italian side AC Milan are also in the frame in landing the midfielder. However, Fabregas has closed the door on joining either of the two clubs after he made his intentions of returning to the Premier League clear.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is aware of Fabergas' situation at Camp Nou, but is unwilling to re-sign the former Gunners skipper in the summer transfer window. The Telegraph claims City have now joined the north London club in ruling out a possible move for the Barcelona midfielder.

Fabregas' potential switch to Old Trafford will also depend on United's incoming manager Louis van Gaal, who is believed to be eyeing alternate targets. Should the Dutchman choose not to make an approach for the Spaniard, Chelsea are likely to be firm favourites in signing the midfielder.

Meanwhile, Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu admitted the club are keen on retaining their star players Cesc Fabregas, Xavi and Javier Mascherano. However, the Catalan club's chief remains open to making changes in order to build a squad to challenge on all fronts.

"We'll put together a team to challenge for every trophy. At the club we are aware of and responsible for the changes which need to be made," Bartomeu told the Spanish newspaper Marca.