Manchester United are launching a sensational move for Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas. The London Evening Standard says United are determined to make a huge signal of intent, following Sir Alex Ferguson's decision to retire, by luring Fabregas to Old Trafford.

It is believed contact has been made with Barcelona over Fabregas, who swapped the Emirates Stadium for the Nou Camp in a £35million deal just two years ago. Barcelona still owe the Gunners £5m of that fee and would be looking to recoup at least £20m for the Spain international.

Fabregas has struggled to make much of an impact at the Catalan giants and has been under heavy criticism from the club's fans for his performances this season.

It has been reported Arsenal inserted a clause when they sold Fabregas to Barcelona to ensure they had first option on buying him back, while Arsene Wenger said last January that he believed the player would return to Emirates one day. "I'm not convinced that he will not one day come back here because he is a real Arsenal man," added the Gunners boss. "He loves Arsenal, he watches every Arsenal game."