Manchester United have been linked with a surprise move for Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas.
Chelsea's Cesc Fabregas celebrates scoring
Cesc Fabregas was linked to Manchester United three years ago during David Moyes' first summer as manager.
He rejected the chance to move, giving it one more season at Barcelona, before joining Jose Mourinho's Chelsea instead.
Now Manchester United manager, Mourinho has been linked with re-signing the Spaniard. The Mirror report United are eyeing the midfielder, if new Blues boss Antonio Conte deems him surplus to requirements.
Chelsea's Cesc Fabregas scores from the penalty spot
The move would seem unlikely for several reasons. Chelsea would surely be reluctant to sell to a rival, especially considering how vital Fabregas was to their 2014/15 title success. Already likely feeling unhappy about seeing Mourinho at Old Trafford, they will not want to help him out.
The midfielder himself may be unwilling to up sticks and move from London, and it must be remembered that his last spell under Jose Mourinho did not end well.
He was part of a squad which did not perform well, leading to Mourinho's sacking, and his significant drop off in form from the previous season was seen as a large contributory factor.
Obviously if Mourinho wants the 29-year-old then he may have no hard feelings, but that does not mean the Spaniard would choose to put himself in the same position again.
New Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho poses ahead of the press conference
United fans, who have seen Fabregas as a rival for much of the past decade, are not so sure about the potential - and unlikely' transfer, with their sights very much set on Paul Pogba instead.
Here is a look at how they reacted on Twitter to the reports...
Mata is staying. #MUFC Better than Fabregas . I don't think it will be wise to buy Fabregas and let mata leave. https://t.co/kWf8DL94BZ
— OakGee® (@oak_gee) July 13, 2016
Can we stop with these rumors of Fabregas to #MUFC?
— Lord Commander (@Binky_Ferrari) July 13, 2016
It's not going to happen. He threw a pizza at Fergie
Go cesc yourself, Fabregas.#WeAreAllAnderHerrera #mufc
— Jon voyes (@jonvoyes) July 13, 2016
Fabregas to #MUFC is RUBBISH!
— Billy Meredith (@UrmstonLordMUFC) July 13, 2016
Why do we need Cesc when we have @andrinhopereira ?
The only person I'd have from Chelsea is here!#MUFC
Don't want us to sign Fabregas. End of. #MUFC
— Alex Chattin (@AlexChattin) July 13, 2016
With the price of Pogba, we can sign Payet, Fabregas and Kroos. #mufc
— • (@punjabified) July 13, 2016
I'd Take both Kroos & Fabregas over Pogba anyday. #mufc
— Paul Bates #mufc (@Paul_Bates__) July 13, 2016
I'd rather United sign nobody than fabregas or sissoko #mufc
— Lee Parker (@leeparker94) July 13, 2016
Fabregas to United? Why would we want an over the hill petulant mercenary who chucked Pizza at the greatest manager who ever lived?#MUFC
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) July 13, 2016
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