Manchester United boss David Moyes said Thursday the English champions' attempts to sign Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas remained alive after ­reports said two earlier bids had failed.

Moyes, who was appointed as Alex Ferguson's successor at the end of last season, tabled an initial offer of 25 ­million pounds ($38 million), later ­upping the ante to 30 million pounds, British reports said.

Asked about any progress in United's talks with Barcelona on Spanish international midfielder Fabregas, Moyes ­simply said, "Ongoing."

Moyes also said Robin van Persie, who was substituted earlier this week on their Asian tour with a thigh ­injury, was expected to play against ­Cerezo Osaka on Friday ­despite being absent from training.

Injured striker Wayne Rooney is on the mend, he noted.

"Wayne is running, probably at the level where we thought he would be just now and he'll pick up his work again," he said.

Disaffected Rooney's withdrawal from the Red Devils' pre-season Asian tour with a minor hamstring injury has heightened speculation that a move away from Manchester United is ­imminent.

Rooney has been linked to rival club Chelsea, but United have made it clear they are not interested in selling him - going so far as to post an eye-catching billboard on their Twitter account that announced his return for a friendly against Swedish side AIK Fotball on ­August 6.

United's second friendly in Japan comes on the heels of their 3-2 loss to Yokohama Marinos on Tuesday.

AFP - Global Times