Manchester United transfer news: Ivan Rakitic ‘likely to sign new Barcelona deal’ and reject Jose Mourinho
Croatian midfielder has been a key player for Barcelona and wants to continue at the Nou Camp despite Premier League interest
Sponsored by
IVAN RAKITIC is 'likely to sign new Barcelona deal' and reject Manchester United.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Croatian midfielder has instructed his agent to reject all offers for him.
But that hasn't deterred Jose Mourinho, whose advances were again spurned in the summer.
Rakitic has faced increased competition at Barca this season in the shape of young talents Denis Suarez and Andre Gomes.
Although neither has lived up to expectations so far, which may be the reason the 28-year-old still has the confidence to fight his way back into Luis Enrique's plans.
Arda Turan and Rafinha will also stand in Rakitic's way if he wants to get his starting place back.
Keep up-to-date with all the latest transfer news and gossip ahead of the January window with SunSport’s daily LIVE blog
Barcelona and the man who scored their opener in the 2015 Champions League final against Juventus are determined to reward each other's loyalty and therefore neither party is looking for a transfer before 2019, when Rakitic's contract expires.
His agent, Arturo Canales, said last month: “Ivan is very happy at FC Barcelona, where he has been tremendously successful and has a contract with the club until 2019.
"Ivan loves football and is only 28-years-old. Having played in Switzerland, Germany and Spain, who knows if one day he'll be ready to have an experience in England, but for now he's an FC Barcelona player.”
All this is despite the Croatian having offers from Chelsea and Juventus, as well as United, who would all play him more regularly.
Rakitic is also said to be determined to keep his family in Spain.
There is one other option, but it would be a brave one.
Real Madrid lost out to Barcelona for Rakitic when he joined from Sevilla in 2014, and Galacticos president Florentino Perez would bid again if he became available.
A move to the Bernabeu would give the midfielder the chance to link up with his international teammate Luka Modric.
But Barca have no intention of letting a popular figure like Rakitic turn into the new Luis Figo by moving to their arch rivals.
Rakitic started for Barcelona in their friendly against Al-Ahli in Qatar this week, where they were greeted with an incredible fire display by the locals.
