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Cesc Fabregas could be chased by BOTH Manchester sides this summer as his Barcelona future remains uncertain.

The midfielder moved back to the Catalan club in 2011 after eight seasons with Arsenal, but it has been far from a dream return.

Despite featuring heavily for Barcelona this term - playing in 33 of the 35 league games so far - Fabregas has not escaped criticism for the team's poor performances that is set to see them end the season without a major trophy.

The 26-year-old was booed off the pitch by the Nou Camp fans after he came on as a substitute in the 2-1 home against Athletic Bilbao two weeks ago, and half of the Blaugrana fans that responded to a Marca poll on Fabregas's future thought he should be sold.

With two years left on his existing deal, this summer will likely be the last window at which Barcelona could command a substantial fee for the player.

The uncertainty surrounding Fabregas will attract United.

The Reds tried to sign the Spaniard last summer and bid up to £40m and while they were unsuccessful, their approach to getting a new manager indicates chief executive Ed Woodward is not afraid to pursue the world's best.

A source told the M.E.N that the club have compiled a list of three players for each area of the team they want to strengthen; Fabregas is thought to be on that list.

But United will face stiff competition from City according to reports in Spain.

Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo reports that Blues chief executive Txiki Begiristain is keen on the player .

While Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta appears eager to keep Fabregas due to his Barca 'DNA', the article suggests a plan is afoot at the Etihad to bring the midfielder to City.

The Blues are known to be after another midfielder to bolster their squad.

Gareth Barry is likely to be leaving the club and the side have struggled at times when Yaya Toure or David Silva - or both - have been injured.

City pursued Porto midfielder Fernando Reges in the January transfer window but with no deal complete, the Brazilian signed a new contract.

Begiristain's admiration of the Barcelona blueprint is no secret either.

The idea of the holistic approach through the club and building a world-class academy are concepts inspired by the chief executive's time at the Nou Camp, where he was involved in trying to sign Cesc Fabregas for Barcelona.

With FFP hanging over City's heads though and an existing midfield that can be categorised as world-class, it remains to be seen whether the Blues would move for the player.

There is also Arsenal to consider.

Arsene Wenger brought Fabregas's career through and the midfielder still has an affinity with the club.

Speaking in October, he said: "Arsenal is in my heart and always will be. I don't know if I'll have the opportunity to go back and play there one day, or maybe after football.

"It's a club that is always going to be there and will always open its doors to me. The club's like a family so, even if it wasn't as a coach, I'm sure they'd give me the chance to play a role."