Barcelona: United's move for Fabregas over

| Tuesday August 6, 2013 00:00

United have had two bids for F‡bregas rejected, with Barcelona clear they do not want to sell the Spain international. A third United offer for F‡bregas, 26, had been mooted, but comments from Zubizarreta on Sunday suggested the Premier League champions have decided to end their pursuit of the former Arsenal captain.Quoted by the Spanish newspaper, Sport, Zubizarreta said: 'Manchester United are interested in the player, but it's also true that they understand our position of not wanting to sell. They have renounced his signing. We aren't going to sell him.'

Zubizarreta, speaking in Israel where Barcelona are on tour, was also quoted on the club's website where he said:'He [F‡bregas] has a contract with us. We count on Cesc. I said that on the day of the presentation of Tito [Vilanova, the former coach] and also with Tata [the new coach Gerardo Martino]. He's an extraordinary player who creates and finishes chances. We are delighted with him. He's the No 4 of Bara.'Martino had said the final decision would rest with F‡bregas, though the Argentinian emphasised his desire to keep him. 'I would prefer him to stay with us and I dare say he will but it's his decision,' he said. 'He is one of the best players in the squad. I think he will stay. But there's a part that he has to decide.'

Arsne Wenger said on Sunday that he did not expect F‡bregas to leave Barcelona. Arsenal's manager has maintained a good relationship with his former player and with F‡bregas's agent, Darren Dein. 'What I know is Fabregas will stay one more year at least in Barcelona,' he said. 'That's the information I have. If that changes, I don't know. But That's what I have been told.' (The Guardian)