adminManchester United lodged a £26 million bid for the 26-year-old former Arsenal captain on Monday but, according to the Barca boss, the player wants to stay for now.
“I know he has received offers from other teams,” said Vilanova.
“But Cesc has told me he wants to stay here. He has told me it is his dream to stay with Barcelona.”
Vilanova added: “He doesn’t want to go to other teams for money reasons or playing time. He knows there is competition for places here, but his decision is to stay. I am relaxed about the situation.”
United have yet to receive a formal response to their offer, which is understood to be some way below Barcelona’s valuation.
“It is a good sign that the club gets offers for our players,” continued Vilanova. “It shows we have players other teams want. But Fabregas wants to stay.”
Manchester United have also been told Fabregas is not available to buy after lodging a £26m bid for the former Arsenal captain.
United manager David Moyes is keen to strengthen his midfield options and placed a bid for Fabregas, while also considering a move for Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini.
Moyes is confident in making the Barcelona midfielder his first big-money signing since taking charge at Old Trafford earlier this summer.
But a Barcelona source also warned yesterday: “The player is not transferable.”
Last season’s La Liga champions have already lost Spain Under-21 captain Thiago Alcantara who has linked up with former manager Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich and they are wary of losing further midfielders despite the presence of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and £50m new-boy Neymar.
Fabregas had reportedly been unhappy at the Nou Camp after failing to impose himself on Vilanova’s team last season. But when asked about the prospect of leaving the club earlier this summer he said: “I’ve always said that I’m happy at Barca.
“Whoever says that I’m leaving doesn’t know me and has never spoken with me. Nor with my agent, because he knows that I don’t want him to talk with other people about me. I’m very private and I don’t even talk about these things with my family. If someone says anything that isn’t that I want to play at Barca, it’s completely absurd.”
Fabregas, a Spain international who helped his country win the World Cup and become European champions twice, came through Barcelona’s academy before Arsenal signed him as a 16-year-old in 2003.
He developed into one of the London club’s key players under manager Arsene Wenger before becoming Arsenal captain in November 2008.
He spent eight years with the Gunners, playing 303 games and scoring 57 goals, but returned to the Nou Camp when he signed a five-year deal with Barcelona in a £25,4m move in August 2011.
He has since helped the Catalan club win the Copa del Rey in 2011-12 and La Liga in 2012-13.
Fabregas has played 96 times in two seasons with Barcelona, including 60 league games, but has rarely featured in his preferred midfield role, with Xavi (33) and Andres Iniesta (29) ahead of him
Manchester United manager Moyes was earlier yesterday reported to be determined to complete a double deal for Fabregas and Fellaini as he plots an overhaul of his midfield options.
Moyes has already failed to land top targets in the form of Thiago Alcantara and Leighton Baines, but he is desperate to kick-start his reign at Old Trafford by landing both Fabregas and Fellaini in time for the new season.
United began the process of recruiting the duo by lodging a £26m bid with Barcelona for Fabregas on Monday, although it was later turned down.
It’s thought that United are ready to return with an improved offer, but Barca insist the player is “not transferable”.
Fabregas is expected to speak with Barca manager Vilanova before the weekend to discuss his future, and United are expected to turn to Everton star Fellaini in the meantime.
According to reports, Moyes believes he can land the Belgian for £18m, despite significant interest from Arsenal and Russian side Anzhi.
If Moyes can lure both Fellaini and Fabregas, the expectation is that they would form part of of a new look-midfield, aimed at getting goals.
Moyes has so far only managed to sign one player — Uruguay Under-20 defender Guillermo Varela.
But Moyes is convinced he can make Fabregas his first big Old Trafford signing.
New Manchester United manager Moyes tabled an official £26m bid for the Barcelona star on Monday.
And even though the Spanish giants rejected that initial offer, Moyes has made it clear the former Arsenal player is the creative, goal-scoring midfielder he needs to successfully defend the Premier League title.
If they are to land Fabregas, the champions will probably have to offer in excess of £30m — and even then, Barca are said to be reluctant to sell, having just lost playmaker Thiago Alcantara to Bayern Munich
However, Moyes has been told he has money to spend this summer and he could be prepared to find out just how badly Barca want to keep the 26-year-old.
Spain international Fabregas left Arsenal for Barca in a £25m deal two years ago, but United believe they can now bring the Spain international back to England.
While he is settled at the Nou Camp, having overcome a tough first season to play more regularly last term, Fabregas remains unsure whether he is central to boss Vilanova’s plans.
Although United were ultimately unsuccessful in their pursuit of Alcantara, it is understood Moyes and his staff had some concerns about the 22-year-old — not least his ability to adapt to the English game.
Alcantara’s departure has strengthened Barcelona’s resolve to keep Fabregas — the club’s hierarchy are unwilling to lose two young, accomplished midfielders without having ready-made replacements to call upon.
Before making the bid for Fabregas, Moyes considered a move for Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric — who was a United target when at previous club Spurs — although he is understood to no longer be an option.
The champions will turn their attention to Everton talisman Fellaini if they fail in their pursuit of Fabregas.
Fellaini has a £24m release clause in his contract and it is understood ex-Toffees boss Moyes is keeping that option open.
Meanwhile, United midfielder Michael Carrick has hailed the hands-on approach of Moyes.
It is in stark contrast to that of his predecessor Ferguson, who used to delegate training duties to his team of coaches. Carrick, speaking here in Australia during United’s pre-season tour, said: “The tour has been really good so far and there is a great atmosphere around the place.
“The manager has brought that in. He’s enthusiastic and energetic and intense with his work, and that’s rubbed off on everyone. —BBC Sport-The Telegraph.
Online Reporter