Rakitic snubbed Man Utd, Chelsea for Barcelona stay

Croatian star Ivan Rakitic is reported to have turned down the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea to show his commitment towards Barcelona. The 28-year-old has earned a regular role at the Catalan giants since his switch from Sevilla two seasons ago.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Premier League giants were looking to take advantage of the player's reduced time, having been often substituted by manager Luis Enrique last term.

United boss Jose Mourinho had kept an interest in the player's services despite recruiting Paul Pogba from Juventus on a world-record deal. Meanwhile, Antonio Conte was keen to feature the Croatian alongside N'Golo Kante in his new-look midfield.

Rakitic is now open to a fresh extension at Camp Nou with his current contract running until the summer of 2019. He has netted 18 goals in 112 outings for Barcelona till date.