United remain keen on midfield duo

Manchester United are set to step up their chase for Cesc Fabregas and Marouane Fellaini, the Guardian understands.

David Moyes has reportedly made a bid of around £26m for Fabregas, and he is keen to pair him with Fellaini to form the heart of United’s midfield for the forthcoming season.

However, Barcelona manager Tito Vilanova in insistent that the former Arsenal captain is not for sale, and the player himself has said that he will remain at the Nou Camp unless an offer is accepted for him.

The club have constantly been linked with Fellaini since the appointment of David Moyes, but progress on any particular deal for the Belgian has been slow as yet.

Meanwhile, the Metro have reported that the club could sell as many as eight fringe players as they look to boost transfer funds.

Of the players named, Nani is the one who has had the most speculation surround him this summer, though the club will also listen to offers for Anderson, Andres Lindegaard, Kiko Macheda, Bebe and Fabio, along with youngsters Ryan Tunnicliffe and Scott Wooton.

It is hoped that United can raise around £20m to help them close in on their proposed transfer targets.