Cesc Fabregas value falling say Barcelona

Fabregas has long been linked with a return to Barcelona (GETTY IMAGES)

Barcelona president Sandro Rosell insists they will not break the bank to sign Cesc Fabregas, who he believes is now worth less in the transfer market than 12 months ago.

Barca have long been linked with a move for Fabregas and last summer had a big-money bid turned down by Arsenal for the 24-year-old Spain international.

The European and Spanish champions have now again been touted as potential suitors for Fabregas, who came up through the youth ranks at Barca before moving to Arsenal in 2003, and Rosell was asked about the World Cup winner and other possible summer signings today.

Rosell was quoted as saying today: "What is the limit for signing him? We'll need to see. First we need to know what his salary is and what are his conditions.

"Everything is in relation to the salary and the transfer fee, but if last year we offered 40million [euros], a year has passed, it is clear that this year his value is less.

"I don't know what will happen with Cesc, but in the case that we were interested, we won't go mad and pay over the top."

Rosell also doubted Fabregas, who has also been linked to Real Madrid, would decide to join another Primera Division club ahead of Barca if he opts to return to Spain.

"I don't think he will got to another Spanish club. Cesc is of Barca, and if I were the president of another club I wouldn't sign a player who holds dear the colours of another team," he said.

Barca, who have also been linked with Villarreal striker Giuseppe Rossi and Udinese forward Alexis Sanchez, last week announced they had a transfer budget of 45million euros this summer, plus any money obtained from sales.

Regarding that, Rosell said that if necessary the club could use money that has been set aside for 2012 signings to boost their coffers this pre-season.