Manchester United have been pushing hard for Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas for some months.

The Sun says moves to get Fabregas back to the Premier League began long before David Moyes took over from Alex Ferguson last month.

Midfield is an area that needs urgent attention for the Premier League champs with Paul Scholes retired, leaving Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverley to carry the burden.

Cesc may not wish to leave Barcelona but is finding first-team chances limited at present.

He is planning talks over his future with Barca boss Tito Vilanova in the next few days.