Manchester United have reportedly contacted La Liga champions Barcelona about the availability of Croatia international Ivan Rakitic.
Former Sevilla star Rakitic (pictured in the centre of the top row) has established himself as one of the world’s finest playmakers since moving to the Nou Camp in 2014.
The 31-year-old has won four La Liga titles, four Copa de Reys, one Champions League and one FIFA Club World Cup with Barca. He also shone as Croatia reached last summer’s World Cup final in Russia.
Rakitic would undoubtably be a massive improvement on United’s current creative options in midfield, but it remains to be seen if he could be persuaded to play Europa League football again – he lifted the trophy after his penultimate appearance for Sevilla in May 2014.
And indeed, according to Sport, everything will depend on what Rakitic wants to do. Sport claim that United asked Barca about the player in the last few days with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believing the Croatian can be an important piece in his team.
The Spanish report also claims that Rakitic is comfortable at Barcelona and that it would take a huge offer to prise him away this summer.
