Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is stepping aside to allow Manchester United a free run at Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

The Daily Star says Wenger has stepped back to allow rival David Moyes to land the Barcelona ace, knowing his club will pick up half of the transfer fee.

United have tabled an opening offer of £26m for the midfielder, who joined the Nou Camp giants two years ago.

Arsenal insisted on having a £25m buyback clause, with a 50 per cent sell-on inserted, after selling Fabregas to the Catalans for £30m.