United accept defeat in Fabregas chase.
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Manchester United appear to have accepted defeat in their controversial attempts to sign former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas, and have turned to his Barcelona team-mate Thiago Alcantara.
The Metro claims Alcantara is now United’s main priority in the transfer market as they seek to sign a long-term replacement for the retiring Paul Scholes, which has left them short of creative midfield players at Old Trafford.
It was thought that Fabregas could be set for a departure from Barcelona after only two years with the club, due to some indifferent form and struggles to get past Xavi and Andres Iniesta in the starting lineup.
However, the Spaniard has committed his future to the club, and is reluctant to tarnish his relationship with Arsenal’s fans by joining their Premier League rivals.
Alcantara is also struggling for first-team football at the Nou Camp, and is said to be keen on a move to progress his career. The 22-year-old is one of the club’s most promising young players, but simply has too much in the way of competition ahead of him at the moment.
United could sign him for around £15million, but will likely have competition from rivals Manchester City, who are also looking for another midfield playmaker this summer.