Manchester United keen on Barcelona midfielder

Manchester United have reportedly expressed an interest in securing the signature of Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic from Barcelona.

The 30-year-old has been with the Blaugrana for the past four seasons and during this period, he has contributed 29 goals and 27 assists in over 200 appearances.

Despite the success, Rakitic is said to have the ambition of finishing his career in the Premier League and Diario Gol suggests that United are among the main contenders for his services.

United boss Jose Mourinho recently sanctioned a deal to sign Fred from Shakhtar Donetsk but there is expected to be further movement this summer with Marouane Fellaini nearing a Bosman exit.

Nevertheless, Rakitic may not fancy playing a back-up role at Old Trafford and this could hamper United's chances of signing the former Sevilla captain.

Rakitic is presently with Croatia at the summer World Cup where they have progressed to the round of 16 after a thumping 3-0 win over Lionel Messi's Argentina.