ATLETICO MADRID are reportedly already in talks with Ivan Rakitic over a potential summer move.
The 31-year-old has 18 months left on his Barcelona contract, but is thought to be surplus to requirements at the Camp Nou.
Ivan Rakitic has reportedly begun talks with Atletico Madrid
Having previously been indispensable, the Croatian has seen his importance wane this season, starting just eight of Barcelona’s 22 La Liga matches this term.
With his contract expiring in 2021, this summer will be Barca’s last chance to cash in on their midfielder, who will turn 32 next month.
And according to Spanish radio station Cadena SER, talks with Diego Simeone’s side are already underway.
Having completed a rare 90 minutes against Levante on Sunday, Rakitic confessed his disappointment with his situation.
He said: “There have been things that I have not liked and that’s why I considered going out.
“The people who make the decisions know it.”
Atletico’s strong interest comes as a blow to Manchester United, who have long been admirers of Rakitic.
Since he was signed by Barcelona from Sevilla for around £16million in 2014, United have been monitoring his availability.
Rakitic has only started eight league games for Barcelona this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
And now that his future is uncertain, the Red Devils would like to pounce for their long-term target.
But Rakitic’s wife Raquel, from Seville, is understood to be reluctant to move abroad – which would favour Atletico.
Rakitic has made 292 appearances for Barcelona – winning four La Liga titles, four Copa del Reys and a Champions League medal.
Ivan Rakitic scored the 2015 Champions League finalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
FC Barcelona star Ivan Rakitic performs impossible basketball trick prior to El Clasico
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
