Failure to qualify for the Champions League could work in favour of the Reds Devils.
Manchester United are the favourites to sign former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona this summer, according to The Express.
Barca are actively looking to sell the 27-year-old midfielder, as he does not feature in manager Luis Enrique’s plans and is a valuable asset who could raise some vital funds.
A return to the Premier League appears to be on the cards, but Arsenal have already ruled themselves out of the race.
Chelsea were reportedly close to sealing a £30m deal for Fabregas, but Enrique is apparently fearful that the 88-time Spain international could make the Blues too strong.
Enrique is said to be worried that Fabregas could come back to haunt Barca in the Champions League and he would therefore prefer the player to go to United, who did not qualify for Europe, after finishing seventh in England’s top division.
Liverpool have also been linked with Fabregas, but the Reds are unlikely to be willing to match the high wages that Chelsea and United can offer.
Fabregas featured in 36 La Liga games this season, starting 28 of them. He scored eight goals and provided 13 assists.
He completed 1,901 passes, 24 dribbles and 48 tackles.