Secret meeting sees Cesc Fabregas set to join Manchester United

Updated Tuesday, July 30th 2013 at 08:01 GMT +3 Cesc Fabregas has agreed to join Manchester United following a secret meeting between the Barcelona star's agent Darren Dein and Old Trafford chief executive Ed Woodward.
Sunday Express Sport, which broke the news of United's big move for the former Arsenal star on May 26, can reveal that Woodward came home early from his club's extensive Far East tour to try and facilitate the incoming Old Trafford record deal. That, we can disclose, included a meeting with the respected Dein, who also helped swing United's £24million capture of Robin van Persie last summer.

Dein told Woodward that Fabregas wants to return to the Premier League and that United and not former club Arsenal, who have first option on the Spanish midfielder, is his preferred destination.

United have made three bids for the 26-year-old, the latest more than £30m and one which they were confident Barcelona would accept.

But the departure of cancer stricken manager Tito Vilanova, who has been replaced by Gerardo Martino, has given United a big problem. Martino doesn't want as one of his first acts to sanction the departure of a popular player.

This has left United frustrated in the knowledge that their prime transfer target wants to join them and is happy with the personal terms on offer.

Now they believe it will be up to Fabregas to make his feelings known to the new Nou Camp manager and could even mean the former Gunner submitting a transfer request.

United boss David Moyes is prepared to wait for the man who he believes would strengthen his side's defence of the Premier League title and would also enhance their Champions League ambitions.

Only if Barcelona categorically insist that Fabregas will not be allowed to leave during this transfer window will Moyes move on to other midfield transfer targets which include his former club Everton's Marouane Fellaini and Newcastle's Yohan Cabaye.

United are also monitoring the situation involving Spurs ace Gareth Bale, who Real Madrid are claiming is the subject of an £80m bid.

United would rival the Spanish side if Spurs decide to cash in on the Welsh international - something chairman Daniel Levy insists won't happen this summer.

But Fabregas remains the prime transfer objective for Moyes especially after knowing the outcome of the meeting between the player's representative and United's main transfer negotiator.