Man Utd plot Rakitic bid

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho will make an ambitious attempt to lure midfielder Ivan Rakitic from Barcelona in the New Year.

The Croatian international was previously on the Red Devils radar last summer before he snubbed their advances to remain at Camp Nou.

Spanish source Don Balon says the Special One is still keen on luring the midfielder anchorman to Old Trafford as he bids to find the perfect companion for Paul Pogba at the heart of the midfield.

Veteran star Michael Carrick has adopted well alongside the world-record signing this term, but Mourinho is looking into the future with 28-year-old Rakitic being his top target.

Rakitic, who is contracted to Barca until 2019, has been largely successful under Luis Enrique, and it looks improbable that he would tempted to leave a side competiting in the Champions League on a regular basis.

Nevertheless, Manchester United will make a £35m bid for Rakitic in January with the promise of a substantial wage rise.