Manchester United's interest in Cesc Fabregas has seemingly waned in the last few days, even though the English club is ready to make a 40 million pound bid for his services. Despite the growing rumors, Barcelona's Xavi Hernandez insists that his teammate is likely to stay put.
"He's quite relaxed," Xavi said according to ESPN. "He's under contract and everything else is speculation. He's working with the group and is up to speed and very motivated.
"They're just rumors. We'll see what happens, but he's relaxed and ready for the coming season with Barcelona."
Manchester United has been desperate to land a quality midfielder over the last few weeks and has made attempts at acquiring Cristiano Ronaldo and Thiago Alcantara. The former is seemingly unavailable, while the latter wound up going to Bayern Munich and claimed that he was never approached by the Premier league champions. Fabregas has become the principal target for United, but the Spanish champs have been unwavering in their desire to keep the midfielder.
"United are wasting their time. It took a long time for Cesc to get his dream move back home and he won't give it up. This is home, it is where his family is, and he is playing with his closest friends," said Barcelona defender Gerard Pique. "He has told us he is happy and that he intends to stay with Barcelona."
"I'm not going to involve myself in the club's accounts, but considering the club has already rejected two offers, I would guess it will reject a third. In other words, Fabregas will remain here," added new Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino.
"We can assure you that we won't listen to any offers for Cesc. It is not an option. Cesc is non-transferable," added Barcelona's Vice President Josep Maria Bartomeu a few weeks ago.
There has been no response from Fabregas' camp regarding his perspective. Many believe that he may have interest in leaving because his playing time is likely to decrease in the upcoming season. Despite his creative genius, the Spaniard has been relegated to a forward position alongside Lionel Messi. The arrival of Neymar will push him out of that spot, leaving him to compete for a spot with Xavi and Andres Iniesta in the midfield. With both still at the height of their respective powers, Fabregas will likely find time on the bench. At the Old Trafford he would be the general of the midfield.