David Moyes has revealed how close he was to landing Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas when he was in charge of Manchester United. Fabregas, who was at Barcelona then, was one of Moyes’ top targets in his first season at Old Trafford.

Moyes revealed that he came very close to convincing Fabregas to join him at United while indicating that he also had talks with Gareth Bale on making a move to Old Trafford.

The Welsh superstar was still at Tottenham at that time and was a target for Spanish giants Real Madrid during the summer of 2013. Fabregas was unsure of his future at Barcelona and was a frustrated figure.

The pair was made as targets by Moyes as he looked to stamp his authority on a team that he inherited from the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson. United were looking at thwarting Real Madrid’s plans of signing Bale and also at securing the signature of Fabregas.

Moyes has now revealed that Fabregas pledged to join United if he was left out of the Barcelona team on the first day of the season. Unfortunately for Moyes and United, Fabregas started the game and decided to stay back at Camp Nou. Fabregas eventually moved out next year, but to Chelsea.

The Scot also spoke about the discussions with Bale who had his heart set on a move to the Spanish capital.

“I spoke to Gareth Bale a couple of times. He had his heart set on going to Real Madrid, we tried to change it,” he told BBC Radio Five Live (h/t Goal.com). “We tried to convince him but we couldn’t do so. We offered more money to Tottenham at that time.

“Cesc Fabregas, who I spoke to on the phone several times, was not sure of his place in the Barcelona team. I remember him saying to me ‘if I don’t start the first game at Barcelona then I’ll definitely be looking to join you’ and he started the first game at Barcelona.

What would have happened to Moyes’ reign at the club had Fabregas and/or Bale been signed? The Scot ended up signing Marouane Fellaini from Everton and was not able to win the support of Old Trafford faithful.

Moyes was sacked 10 months after taking the United job, with his inability to qualify for the Champions League proving too much for the management to let him continue in the role.

It was an open secret that it would be a nightmare to follow Sir Alex at Old Trafford and replicate his success. Moyes was regarded a scape goat by some sections but truth be told, he failed to convince the supporters that he can lead the club to success.

That probably was the reason why he wasn’t given extended time at the club – something which has always been a grouse for Moyes with the Red Devils’ management.