Barcelona's sporting director says Man U 'have given up on Fabregas'

Manchester United have abandoned their interest in Cesc Fabregas, according to Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta, with two bids from them for the Spanish international rejected by the La Liga champions.

According to Fox News, Zubizarreta revealed that Manchester United was interested in Fabregas, but after understanding Barcelona's stance, they had given up on signing him.

The former Spanish goalkeeper said that Cesc is an extraordinary player and they were counting on him because he also helped in defence, adding that they were not going to sell him.

Despite claiming the first league title of his career last season, Fabregas has endured a largely frustrating time in the two years since he returned to the club he left as a 16-year-old to join Arsenal as his opportunities in Barca's midfield have been limited by the presence of international teammates Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets, the report said.

However, with the sale of Thiago Alcantara to Bayern Munich and the 33-year-old Xavi expected to play fewer games this season, Zubizarreta insisted Fabregas would be a key part of the squad, the report added.