• Premier League

De Gea wants Fabregas at United

David De Gea says he has been using his time at Spain's pre-World Cup camp to try to convince Cesc Fabregas to join him at Manchester United.

Barcelona midfielder Fabregas was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford last summer, but disappointed then United boss David Moyes by eventually committing his future to the Nou Camp club.

Fabregas, still only 27, is again being linked with a move away from Barcelona this summer, with the club's board looking to raise funds for a summer squad shake-up.

De Gea, who is set to make his senior Spain debut in goal in a friendly against Bolivia on Friday, told El Larguero he would love to see Fabregas, the former Arsenal captain, link up with fellow Spain colleague Juan Mata at club level.

"I have tried to convince [Fabregas] to come [to Old Trafford]," he said. "We would have another Spaniard. But it is difficult. He is a top level player, many teams want him. He said he liked it at Barcelona, it was his home, and the truth is it would be difficult for us to get him."

As Fabregas kept a low profile during last summer's long drawn-out speculation De Gea then spoke about how he would like them to be united at club level. The former Atletico keeper also - while on international duty with Spain's Under-21 side - tried to convince Thiago Alcantara to join him at United before the latter moved to Bayern Munich instead.

Asked about claims United had offered the manager's job at Old Trafford to Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque, before appointing Louis Van Gaal, De Gea said he understood why the 63 year old was happy to remain in charge of the international side.

"We know that Vicente is a great coach, and is doing magnificent work here," he said "He would also do so in Manchester. But I guess he really likes it here and is staying here."

Cesc Fabregas was linked with a move to Manchester United last summer © PA Photos

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