United Eye £26m Italian Midfielder as backup to Cesc Fabregas - Report

Manchester United are considering an approach to sign Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio.

The Express believes the Premier League champions will move for the Italian international if they fail to convince Spanish champions Barcelona to releases Cesc Fabregas. A bid of £26m for the 27-year-old has been mooted.

The new man at the helm of Old Trafford, David Moyes, has so far struggled to match rivals Manchester City and Chelsea in the transfer market.

City, in particular, have been very decisive this summer, with Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho, Spanish forwards Jesus Navas and Alvaro Negredo, and Montenegrin Stevan Jovetic all joining the Etihad club.

The former Everton manager is understood to be keen on signing cover in the centre of midfield and was previously linked to Fabregas' compatriot Thiago Alcantara. However, the 22-year-old snubbed United to join Bayern Munich and former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola.

Moyes has confirmed his desire to bring the former Arsenal star to United but Nou Camp chiefs have rejected two bids so far. The BBC believes United may make one final offer - a club record bid of £35m.

The Marchisio Option

Meanwhile, a failure to sign Fabregas, assuming it leads to the capture of Marchisio, may prove good business for United. The Italian is very highly valued by the Bianconieri and they are unwilling to lose his services.

"Juventus have never thought about selling Marchisio. Not now, not ever," the Serie A champion's general director, Beppe Marotta, told Calcio Mercato.

However, the player himself has admitted he is aware of interest from the United and will consider any offer made.

"My name has always come up when the transfer market was discussed. I will not deny I feel flattered when I see my name being linked with other clubs. This is proof I'm doing a good job and others value what I do. It makes me proud there are teams that rate me," he said.

"I would not be the first player to leave his boyhood club... However, I have not talked to anyone and there are no concrete offers. I spoke with Juventus and they told me I'm still wanted. My desire is to stay here and win more trophies. Then again, you never know what will happen in football," Marchisio explained.