Some big deals don’t go beyond the rumor stage, but the interest Manchester United have in Cesc Fabregas and Thiago from Barcelona is real, and the Premier League champions have begun the negotiations for the player who left England only two years ago.

For David Moyes, it’s not only about strengthening the midfield (thinking also about Marouane Fellaini), but about making a splash through a big name player along with a younger talent like Thiago, who’ll be in action with the U-21 team in Israel for the European Championship in just over a week.

The issue with Fabregas is that he’s considered a disappointment despite scoring 19 goals and add 24 assists since arriving to Barcelona from Arsenal for just under £30 million, in what was proclaimed as the prodigal son returning home, but it’s been quite up & down for him at the Camp Nou, despite always dreaming about playing once more for the team he grew up in.

Fabregas seems stuck, and not really knowing where to turn next. He has been able to find a place in Barcelona in which he can be as dominant as he was when playing for Arsenal in the Premier League, and while he would like to remain with Barcelona to try and become as important as he thinks he should be, Xavi at the moment isn’t going anywhere, and so isn’t Andres Iniesta. There’s also Thiago to consider, with him fighting for the same spot Fabregas is.

Manchester United feel that this summer might be the one that Wayne Rooney (and other players) actually leaves in, and need a big name to compensate for that, not to mention improve the quality in the middle of the pitch. While Fellaini is a proven Premier League force, he isn’t the star Fabregas is.

As for Thiago: His price will be lower (€18 million Barcelona can’t refuse due to a clause in his contract), but the youngster isn’t sure whether moving to the Premier League is the best move for his career, while the wages he’ll make at United aren’t necessarily higher than what he’s making in Spain.

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