Barcelona: Cesc Fabregas won't be sold to Manchester United at any price

Cesc Fabregas is here to stay according to new Barcelona manager Gerardo Martino. (Getty Images)

Manchester United have received a latest setback in their chase of Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas. United manager David Moyes had earlier stated that the talks were ‘ongoing’ but Barcelona’s vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu has ruled out a move for the 26-year-old Spaniard.

Speaking at new manager Gerardo Martino’s first news conference Bartomeu said: “United’s interest for Cesc Fabregas is obvious, he’s a great player but it does not bother us.

“It does not matter what they offer us, we are not selling him.”

The announcement comes as second blow for the Premier League champions as they had already failed to sign Thiago Alcantara from Barcelona, who decided to join last season’s treble winners Bayern Munich.

Martino said: “I’m not going to involve myself in the club’s accounts, but considering the club has already rejected two offers, I would guess it will reject a third.”

“In other words, Fabregas will remain here.”

Manchester United had initially launched a bid of around £25m, which was later raised to £30m plus add-ons. However, Bartomeu said that Fabregas won’t be sold even if United make a higher offer.

“If there was a higher offer would we accept it? No. We’re proud that a club like that wants one of our players,” added Bartomeu.