Speaking on condition of anonymity, sources said the English champions have offered 30 million euros ($39 million) to bring the former Arsenal captain back to the Premier League.
If David Moyes is able to make his first major signing, the Spain midfielder will be re-united at Old Trafford with striker Robin van Persie, who joined from Arsenal a year ago.
The Spanish international spent eight years with the Gunners, playing 303 games and scoring 57 goals.
Arsenal though have first refusal on the midfielder for a pre-arranged fee of 25 million pounds, but only if he wants to rejoin them.
The 26-year-old could help United fill the void left by the retirement of Paul Scholes and Darren Fletcher, who is recovering from a bowel condition.
Image: Cesc Fabregas
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