Soap opera haters should skip to the next post.
I hesitate to do this, because in many ways I'd sooner see everyone give up on this deal and then be pleasantly surprised if something changes. However, there is just one tiny shred of a possibility (that isn't just being used by Cesc's agent) that might explain the lateness of United's offer and it relates to the Confederations Cup.
A story came up in the Spanish press during the cup, saying that Xavi had spoken to the team bosses "as usual" about who should be playing. Del Bosque played it down of course. Xavi said that he might have mentioned tactics and formations, but he'd never try to tell a coach which players he wanted to see in/out of the team.
Everyone kind of assumed he was talking about Martinez and not needing someone in the Alonso role, but what if he was talking about Fabregas? And not in a good way? And Faberegas knows? At least that's what my Real Madrid supporting mate thinks - but then he would think that, because anything that might be bad for Barcelona, he supports. Interesting idea though.