Transfer news: Manchester United reported to have made an improved £30m bid for Barcelona's Cesc Fabregas

David Moyes still hopeful of making his first big signing as United try to tempt the Spaniard to Old Trafford

Manchester United look set to lose out on capturing Cesc Fabregas (Getty Images)

Manchester United have been reported to have made a second bid for Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas, thought to be around the £30m mark.

Although United have yet to confirm the bid, they have made no secret of their pursuit of the former Arsenal captain this summer, having confirmed they made a £26m bid last week.

The Premier League champions may face a frustrating wait for e response though, with Barcelona’s main concern finding a replacement for departed manager Tito Vilanova, who was forced to resign on Friday night due to a relapse in his recovery from throat cancer.

The pressure is on new manager David Moyes to make his first meaningful signing, with fans growing restless at the lack of new faces at the club having seen only full-back Guillermo Varela join the club from Uruguayan club Penarol.

One first Moyes was able to get off his back was his maiden victory with the club, as he saw his side beat an Australian League Select in Sydney. Youngster Jesse Lindard and England striker Danny Welbeck scored a brace each, while substitute Robin van Persie made his first appearance this season to score the final goal.

United now head to Japan for the next two games of their pre-season tour, though with chief executive Ed Woodward back in the United Kingdom to conduct “urgent transfer business”, there is expected to be an acceleration in the transfer market.

As well as a £30m bid for Fabregas, Moyes is expected to submit an improved offer for Everton left-back Leighton Baines, having seen a £12m bid turned down. He also missed out on the signing of midfielder Thiago Alcantara, who joined Bayern Munich and prompted United to make a move for Fabregas instead.

27-year-old Fabregas has announced his desire to stay at the Nou Camp, and he sent a message of support to Vilanova through his personal Twitter account, saying: “All the strength for you, Tito. We are all with you, all my support”.

Barcelona president Sandro Rosell announced that he hoped to name their next manager early next week, with former star Luis Enrique currently favourite to take over the role despite having taken over Celta Vigo just last month.

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has also been linked with the job, though he refused to comment on a move suggesting now is not the time to be talking about such a thing with Vilanova at the forefront of his thoughts.