Former Scotland and Nottingham Forest star Archie Gemmill is backing Manchester United's bid for Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

Gemmill wrote for the Daily Star Sunday: "If United could get him from Barcelona he would be an outstanding player for them. Fabregas passes brilliantly and scores goals - I think he would be the ideal replacement for Paul Scholes.

"They are very similar footballers and United need a class act to plug the gap left by Scholes' retirement.

"I can see them getting him if they offer enough cash and at 26 he could still have his best years ahead of him."