"Many Photos" - 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.

Rex Features

Ivan Rakitic says he wants to stay at Barcelona despite reports suggesting he is heading for the exit[/caption]

And Spanish publication AS say he is ‘edging closer’ to leaving the club having seen less playing time under Barca 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.”

LATEST FOOTBALL STORIES

ULTIMATE DEFENDER

Piers Morgan leads Arsenal fans' calls for hero Kolasinac to be captain

DAN THE MAN

'Old man' Solskjaer won't moan about tough tackles on Utd danger man James

FOOTIE HOODOOS

As Abraham faces Blues' No9 jinx, eight of football's most famous curses

AUBA THE MOON

Arsenal teen Balogun scored six-min hat-trick and is dubbed 'next Aubameyang'

ALL A-LOAN

Chelsea's Lewis Baker set for Fortuna Dusseldorf in SEVENTH loan deal of career

No Hab-Jo Ingles

Steve Bruce didn’t know if Joelinton could speak English in first meet

BALED OUT

Jiangsu Suning stop following Gareth Bale on Instagram throwing transfer in doubt

Juventus 1 Inter 1 (4-3 pens)

De Ligt's Juve career off to a stinker with own goal vs Inter

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.

Link
https://textbacklinkexchanges.com/man-utd-transfer-target-ivan-rakitic-edging-closer-to-barcelona-exit-despite-wanting-to-stay/
News Photo Man Utd transfer target Ivan Rakitic ‘edging closer’ to Barcelona exit despite wanting to stay
Advertising
You don’t have to pack away your dress just because you’re the wrong side of 20. These body-beautiful stars reveal their secrets to staying in shape and prove you can smoulder in a two-piece, whatever your age. Read on and be bikini inspired!

Kim says: “I am no super-thin Hollywood actress. I am built for men who like women to look like women.”
https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/NINTCHDBPICT000508045227-e1564127982469.jpg?strip=all&w=960