Manchester United hopeful of breakthrough in £26m move for Cesc Fábregas

David Moyes hopes for a breakthrough in the transfer of Cesc Fábregas from Barcelona during the next 48 hours, with the manager confirming Ed Woodward, the executive vice-chairman, has returned from Manchester United's tour to work on the move.

Earlier this week, United submitted a €30m (£26m) bid to the Catalan club, prompting Woodward to fly back to Europe on Wednesday. Barcelona are yet to respond to the offer and have so far made no public statement confirming that Fábregas is not for sale.

"The chief executive [Woodward] has been dealing with it," said Moyes. "I may have a bit more information in the next day or so about how it's going."

Moyes, speaking in Sydney ahead of United's game with the A-League All Stars on Saturday, reiterated the club's stance regarding Wayne Rooney: "There's no change. As far as players we're looking to bring in, we're trying very hard to make some additions to the squad. Hopefully there'll be some good news in the not too distant future."

Moyes has the chance to select Robin van Persie for the first time on Saturday, after the Dutchman joined the tour this week. "We'll probably only use Robin in the second half," said Moyes. "We've over-trained him this week to make sure he builds up his fitness.