Sridhar Bhamidi
Manchester United have reportedly revived their interest in Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas. According to latest reports in The Times (h/t Neil Henderson on Twitter), United are watching the Spaniard’s situation at Stamford Bridge and that has alerted the Blues.
The Spanish international has just 18 months left on his current contract and the Red Devils are considering a shock move for the playmaker. Chelsea understand that the presence of Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford could spark some interest in the player’s camp and so they have reacted quickly.
However, the club and the player differ over the length of the new deal. While the Blues are ready to offer a one-year extension, the player is understood to have tabled the desire for a two-year deal.
With the club’s policy of offering only a one-year extension to players above the age of 30, it remains to be seen if they make it a special case for the Spaniard.
It is a complete turn-around for the player, who struggled for minutes when Antonio Conte took charge. However, his improved form in the second half of Chelsea’s Premier League charge last season has made him one of the key players for Conte.
Mourinho and United have been monitoring Fabregas’ position at Stamford Bridge for quite some time. Mourinho has earmarked Fabregas as one of the players who could improve his squad. The Portuguese tactician has one eye on Mesut Ozil and should he miss him, Fabregas could be the next in line.
However, Conte would be averse to losing another star player to a direct title rival. Having already sold Nemanja Matic this season to Mourinho, Conte must be wondering if he has done the Red Devils a huge favor.
Fabregas wants assurances from Conte that he’d remain an integral part of the team and that his first-team minutes would be significant.
As things stand, it looks highly likely that Fabregas would stay back at Stamford Bridge. Even if he is ready to move on, Chelsea may not want to sell him to us.
