Manchester United eyes Cesc Fábregas and Marouane Fellaini

David Moyes has made a €30m (£26m) bid for Cesc Fábregas and could pair the Barcelona player with Everton's Marouane Fellaini to form the heart of his Manchester United midfield next season.

Moyes has identified the need for two midfielders, at least one of whom must be able to contribute goals, which Fábregas has proved he can do in the Premier League when at his former club, Arsenal. Fellaini also has an eye for goal; he scored 12 times for Everton last season.

Moyes considered Real Madrid's Luka Modric before deciding on lodging an official offer for the former Arsenal captain.

The deal hinges on whether Barcelona – who purchased the player from Arsenal for €29m (£25m) in 2011 – are willing to sell. Arsenal have a first-option clause on Fábregas should Barcelona make him available but this depends on him wanting to return there, which is unlikely.

Publicly Barcelona have maintained the midfielder is not for sale – "the player is not transferable," a source said – but any indication that they would consider allowing him to leave would force Fábregas's hand as it would be clear that he is not considered central to the plans of Tito Vilanova, the Barcelona coach. However the news of United's bid came as a surprise to Fábregas, so the player's thoughts are not yet known.