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Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova plays down Cesc Fabregas exit talk
BARCELONA manager Tito Vilanova has poured cold water on reports that Cesc Fabregas is set to leave the club, despite receiving a bid for the player from Manchester United.
United have reportedly offered £25m to bring Fabregas to Old Trafford after missing out on Thiago Alcantara but Vilanova has said he expects the former Arsenal midfielder to stay at Camp Nou because he doesn't want to leave.
"There have been offers for him from other clubs, but I spoke with Cesc and he told me that he was still determined to stay here and be successful, so I'm not worried.
And whilst United may be poised to improve on their initial offer, Vilanova says money won't be a factor for Fabregas.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday Vilanova said: "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.
Arsenal are thought to have first option on signing former-captain Fabregas if he leaves Barcelona, but they are believed to be willing to waive that right despite initial reports of their interest.
United may still face competition for the Spanish international from fellow Premier League heavyweights Manchester City and Chelsea, but current indications suggest that Fabregas is not thinking about a return to England.
Vilanova added: "It is a good sign that the club gets offers for our players. It shows we have players other teams want. But Fabregas wants to stay."
Vilanova also confirmed that Barcelona have interest in PSG centre back Thiago Silva but will not be held to ransom over a fee.
He said: "The idea is to bring in a central defender. Thiago Silva is a player we want, but there are other players."
Vilanova also lamented losing Thiago Alcantara to Bayern Munich, saying the club did everything in its power to hold onto the promising youngster.
He said: "I don't feel annoyed that Guardiola has taken Thiago to Bayern, I feel annoyed that he left Barcelona because we did all we could to convince him to stay."