Cesc Fabregas to Manchester United transfer news: Midfielder wants to stay at Barcelona says Tito Vilanova

United have made a £26m bid for the Spain international

Cesc Fabregas (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester United's hopes of signing Cesc Fabregas have been dealt a blow after Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova confirmed that the midfielder wants to remain at the Nou Camp.

United have made a £26m bid for the 26-year-old and are eager to add him to their midfield having missed out on Thiago Alcantara.

Fabregas stated earlier this summer that "if someone says anything that isn't that I want to play at Barca, it’s completely absurd."

Vilanova has now confirmed that stance.

"I'm aware there have been offers," he told a press conference today. "I had a conversation with him and he told me that he wanted to continue here and that he didn't want to go to another big club.

"He wants to succeed here."

Fabregas could still leave the Nou Camp, but the decision will have to be made by the club.

Having sold Alcantara to Bayern Munich, it would appear unlikely that the Primera League champions will allow another central midfielder to leave this summer. Despite Fabregas failing to cement his desired midfield role since moving from Arsenal two years ago, he has still played 96 times in two seasons, including 60 league games.