Former Manchester United manager David Moyes has revealed that Cesc Fabregas was a game away from moving to Old Trafford back in the summer of 2013. The Spain international had been considering his future with Barcelona, but ultimately decided to stay put for the campaign.

Speaking to BBC Radio Five Live, Moyes, who had a forgettable 10-month spell with United, admitted that he could have signed both Gareth Bale and Fabregas during his time at the club. While Bale sealed his move to Real Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur, Fabregas was keen on a switch, had he failed to start the first game of the 2013/14 La Liga season.

Moyes said, "I spoke to Gareth Bale a couple of times. He had his heart set on going to Real Madrid, we tried to change it. We tried to convince him but we couldn't do so. We offered more money to Tottenham at that time. Cesc Fabregas, who I spoke to on the phone several times, was not sure of his place in the Barcelona team. I remember him saying to me 'if I don't start the first game at Barcelona then I'll definitely be looking to join you' and he started the first game at Barcelona."

Fabregas did not take long to return to the English top-flight as he joined Chelsea a year later, and he has since helped the Blues to two Premier League titles and the League Cup. The midfielder was linked with a potential move to the Serie A during the summer transfer window, but he instead decided to fight for his position at Stamford Bridge, where he is now a regular in the starting line-up.

Barring his one-match suspension, Fabregas has been one of the first names in the Antonio Conte's team sheet with the Spaniard playing in a slightly advanced role. With N'Golo Kante side-lined with a hamstring injury, Fabregas is expected to continue in central midfield alongside summer signing Tiemoue Bakayoko.