Manchester United manager David Moyes on Monday revealed he has stepped up his pursuit of Cesc Fabregas after making a second bid for the Barcelona midfielder. United confirmed last Monday that they had made an initial approach for the former Arsenal star, but that offer of £25 million ($38 million, 29 million euros) was swiftly rejected by the Spanish champions.
Moyes is determined to do everything he can to lure Fabregas back to the Premier League as he seeks a marquee signing to mark his arrival at Old Trafford. And the former Everton boss, appointed as Alex Ferguson’s successor at the end of last season, said at a press conference in Yokohama on Monday that a second improved offer, believed to be in the region of £30 million ($46 million, 34 million euros), has now been lodged. United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward returned to England ahead of schedule last Wednesday to lead the Fabregas negotiations and Moyes said:
‘As I understand it, Ed had a response (to the first offer). We have made a second offer but Ed is dealing with it rather than me.’ Moyes has yet to bring in a major signing, with his only deal so far the capture of Uruguay Under-20 star Guillermo Varela. But, with reports from Spain suggesting Barca will not make a decision on Fabregas until they appoint a successor Vilanova, Moyes acknowledged there may come a time for other targets.
‘I think a point does come,’ said Moyes. ‘But when you are interested in good players you want to give it every opportunity to materialise.’