Manchester United plot £25m move for Cesc Fabregas

Manchester United transfer news: Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas could make shock switch to Old Trafford

Manchester United are preparing a shock summer move for Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas, according to the Sunday Express.

The 26-year-old former Arsenal captain has struggled to fully establish himself at Camp Nou since making a big-money £35million switch in 2011.

And, reports suggest the Spain international would now consider a return to the Premier League, where he enjoyed his best form.

Arsenal are believed to have first option on Fabregas, and Gunners boss Arsene Wenger would be keen to bring the player back to the Emirates Stadium.

However, it's understood that the Barca star would prefer a new challenge in England, and would be open to following former Arsenal team-mate Robin van Persie to Old Trafford.

Barcelona have been forced to accept that they are unlikely to recoup all of the money they paid for Fabregas, and could accept the cut-price £25million that Manchester United are set to offer.

Incoming manager David Moyes has made strengthening the Red Devils' midfield his main priority in the summer transfer window, and will begin his attempts to fill the void left by the recently retired Paul Scholes by convincing the ex-Arsenal skipper to forget about former club loyalties and join the new Manchester United revolution.

If his Fabregas bid falls through, then Moyes will likely turn his attention to old club Everton, with Marouane Fellaini also linked with a move away from Goodison Park to link up with his former boss and the newly crowned Premier League champions.