Barcelona "willing to sell" Cesc Fabregas to Manchester United

Barcelona need the money that a sale of Cesc Fabregas would bring in and are thus willing to sell the midfielder to Manchester United, according to a report in The Guardian.

The paper cites a "highly-placed Spanish source" as stating that Barcelona's outlay for Neymar, combined with recent summers of heavy spending (and little recouped through player sales) mean that the club are in need of funds and could find a large bid for Fabregas difficult to resist.

The paper also claims that Fabregas is unhappy with his role at Barcelona, since he has not been playing in his preferred position, and even in his more peripheral roles now finds himself under threat due to the introduction of Neymar to the side.

If it's true, this is fantastic news. Barcelona's willingness to sell is overwhelmingly the main obstacle we have of getting this transfer concluded. The report also states that United will up their bid if this one is rejected, with a figure of £35m quoted as being 'difficult' for Barca to resist.

It's impossible to tell how reliable this is, since the situation is quite a unique one, but the Guardian appear confident in their story. If true, this is a very promising development.