Barcelona ace may follow Everton star to Manchester United

As David Moyes prepares to embark upon the daunting task of succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, he seems willing to prioritise the strengthening of his Red Devils midfield.

And as such, in addition to a rumoured move for combative Everton star Marouane Fellaini, Moyes is also lining up a shock £25m bid for Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

The retirement of Paul Scholes and uncertain future of Darren Fletcher have forced Moyes’ hand, and he appears ready to part with substantial cash in order to bolster his midfield ranks this summer.

A battle with Chelsea for Real Madrid playmaker Luka Modric could ensue if Barca aren’t tempted to do business, but the Scotsman is believed to be most keen on securing former Arsenal captain Fabregas.

The 26-year-old ex-Gunner would consider a move to the Red Devils, particularly if regular first-team action is guaranteed, but the fact that his former employers have the first option on the talismanic midfielder could prove problematic.

Indeed, Arsene Wenger is believed to have a £70m war chest this summer, and would be prepared to spend a significant chunk of those funds on bringing his former skipper back.

Similarly to Robin Van Persie though, the lure of silverware could very well be enough to persuade Fabregas to embrace a change of scenery back in England.

But prior to any move for Fabregas, it is thought that Moyes will attempt to complete a deal for Fellaini, whose signature he is believed to covet most this summer.

The imposing enforcer, 25, has a £24m buy-out clause in his current Toffees contract, and Moyes is willing to trigger that in order to make the former Standard Liege man his first United signing.

Careful with his cash, Moyes is keen to sign a trusted performer with whom he’s previously worked, before attempting to cut a deal for flamboyant Catalans ace Fabregas.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.