Manchester United 'desperate' to land Barcelona star?

Manchester United are reportedly desperate to get their hands on Barcelona's Ivan Rakitic, although they are aware that Inter Milan are leading the race for the midfielder's signature.

The 31-year-old has regularly cited that he has no plans of leaving the Blaugrana but this has not ceased the speculation over his future with summer signing Frenkie de Jong due to take up his starting role next season.

According to The Sun, United have been keeping tabs on the 2018 World Cup finalist ever since the Blaugrana announced that they would be signing De Jong from Ajax.

However, their chances of landing the Croatian remain blink with the Nerazzurri said to be in advanced negotiations with both the player's representative and Barcelona.

United are expected to pursue at least one central midfielder this summer to overcome the absence of Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini ahead of the 2019/2020 campaign.

Fellaini left the Red Devils after falling out-of-favour under Ole. Herrera, on the other hand, will leave United on a free next month following the club's refusal to meet his contract demands.