Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Cesc Fabregas' future is up to him says Barca boss as Manchester United weigh up new bid
MANCHESTER UNITED have been given new hope in their chase for Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas.
Barca boss Gerardo Martino has said that any decision over a move back to England rests with the former Arsenal captain.
Fabregas has emerged as Manchester United's main target this summer as David Moyes looks to bolster the champions' midfield.
United have had two bids turned down so far but are said to be weighing up a third offer of £35m.
Martino said: "I would prefer him to stay with us and I dare say he will, but it's his decision.
“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.”
Martino was speaking after Barcelona had battered Brazilian side Santos 8-0 in the Camp Nou in a pre-season friendly.
Fabregas started on the bench before coming on at half-time and helping himself to two goals.
Lionel Messi, Alexis Sanchez, Adriano, Pedro all got in on the rout as well as profiting from an own goal from Santos' Leo.
Barca's big summer signing Neymar also made a second-half appearance against his former club.
Reports have stated Fabregas is concerned that Xavi and Andres Iniesta block his path to a regular spot in the 2013 La Liga champions midfield.
David Moyes has so far been frustrated in his attempts to bring in new players at United, with the club missing out on another Barcelona man, Thiago Alacantara, who joined Bayern Munich.
Martino added: "I had a short chat with him (Fabregas) and told him what I think.
"Cesc will decide the situation, but it has not occurred to me that I won't be able to count on him.
"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."
Martino, who replaced Tito Vilanova after he was forced to resign due to health reasons, reiterated he wants the midfielder to stay, adding: "If it was my decision, there wouldn't be any chance of Cesc leaving."