Man Utd transfer target Ivan Rakitic ‘edging closer’ to Barcelona exit despite wanting to stay

MAN UNITED target Ivan Rakitic is reportedly close to leaving Barcelona despite issuing a plea to stay.

The Croatian midfielder has two years left on his contract at the Camp Nou but is yet to agree a new deal with the club.

And Spanish publication  say he is "edging closer" to leaving the club having seen less playing time under boss Ernesto Valverde recently.

The arrival of fellow midfielder Frenkie de Jong from Ajax this summer is also likely to lead to reduced opportunities for the 31-year-old.

United have been long-term admirers of Rakitic, who joined Barca from Sevilla in 2014.

French giants Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in taking the midfielder but Rakitic has publicly expressed his desire to stay.

BARCA PLEA

He said: "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.

"It doesn't annoy me. I know that football works like this and it makes me proud because if other teams want me it's because I'm doing things very well. I'm calm."

Rakitic, who has made more than 250 appearances for the club, improved his chances of getting his wish after scoring a stunning goal against Chelsea in a pre-season defeat.

In five years in Catalonia, Rakitic has won four La Liga titles and Copa del Rey, plus the Champions League title in 2015.