Transfer news: Andres Iniesta not going to Manchester United after agreeing new Barcelona deal

Spanish superstar signed three-year contract extension

Andres Iniesta (Barcelona) Not quite as improbable as it sounds. Iniesta’s contract expires in 2015 and negotiations on a new deal have stalled. David Moyes has castigated his midfield for their inability to pass and there are none better at tha (PA Wire)

Manchester United's hopes of prising Barcelona's star midfielder Andres Iniesta away from Catalonia have been dashed by the news that he has signed a new deal at the club.

The playmaker has agreed a three-year extension to his current contract, which will keep him at the club until 2018, according to club president Sandro Rosell.

"We are very, very happy," Rosell said. "I think this is a great Christmas gift for all Barcelona fans."

The announcement comes as a blow to defending Premier League champions Manchester United whose search for high quality improvements to their midfield continues to be frustrated.

However any attempts to lure Iniesta away from Barcelona were always going to be difficult with the Spaniard having been at the club since the age of 12, helping them win 21 trophies.

Manchester United must now look elsewhere, with January moves for Ander Herrera and Fredy Guarin rumoured yet unconfirmed.