Barcelona midfielder has Ivan Rakitic has expressed his desire to stay at the Nou Camp this summer, amid talk of potential interest from Manchester United.
Spanish publication Sport, have repeatedly run stories on United’s interest in the Croatian this summer, with Barcelona said to want to offload him to raise funds to sign other transfer targets.
At 31, it seems the right time for the Catalan giants to cash in on Rakitic while they can even though the former Sevilla man is still a classy player and would improve most midfields across Europe.
Anyhow, Rakitic has said he has spoken to his club and says his future lies at the La Liga champions.
“My idea is very clear, I want to stay at Barca,” Rakitic said as quoted by Manchester Evening News .
“[Transfer talk] is a situation I’m used to. It happened to me last year.
“I’ve spoken with the club and the coach and we have the same idea, for me to stay at Barca.
“We’re open to everything, as always, but my intention is to stay. I have two more years on my contract and I want to keep enjoying myself at Barca.”
NEXT:‘Diabolical’: Former midfielder slams four Man Utd stars, new additions needed
Meanwhile, United still need at least one midfield addition this summer. The recent departures of Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini have left gaps in the squad that have still not been filled with under three weeks of the transfer window remaining.
Despite an impressive rise to prominence from youngster Scott McTominay, Solskjaer cannot be expected to continue to rely on the Scotsman in midfield all season
There has been lots of talk of moves for Bruno Fernandes, the attacking midfielder from Sporting Lisbon, but no deal seems imminent for the Portuguese international.
