LONDON (AFP) - Manchester United manager David Moyes on Monday revealed he has stepped up his pursuit of Cesc Fabregas after making a second bid for the Barcelona midfielder.
United confirmed last Monday that they had made an initial approach for the former Arsenal star, but that offer of £25 million (S$48.3 million) was swiftly rejected by the Spanish champions.
Moyes is determined to do everything he can to lure Fabregas back to the Premier League as he seeks a marquee signing to mark his arrival at Old Trafford.
And the former Everton boss, appointed as Alex Ferguson's successor at the end of last season, said at a press conference in Yokohama on Monday that a second improved offer, believed to be in the region of £30 million, has now been lodged.
United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward returned to England ahead of schedule last Wednesday to lead the Fabregas negotiations and Moyes said: "As I understand it, Ed had a response (to the first offer). We have made a second offer but Ed is dealing with it rather than me."
But, with reports from Spain suggesting Barca will not make a decision on Fabregas until they appoint a successor to coach Tito Vilanova, Moyes acknowledged there may come a time when he has to turn to other targets.
"I think a point does come," said Moyes. "But when you are interested in good players you want to give it every opportunity to materialise. I will hope things will continue to move forward.
"At this moment in time I can only tell you Ed Woodward is working hard to try and make the deals happen. We hope some of them will fall into place shortly."