Manchester United to move for Barcelona midfielder

Manchester United will reportedly make an approach to sign Ivan Rakitic from Barcelona, should Paul Pogba head through the exit door this summer.

Pogba has been heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford and reports have emerged that Real Madrid are prepared to make a bid of around £140m to land his signature.

While Pogba continues to remain with the Red Devils, Sport claims that the club are already looking a replacement and Rakitic has been earmarked as the preferred choice.

The same publication cites that the Blaugrana value the midfielder at around £45m and they are willing to sanction his sale in order to reduce the size of the first-team squad.

Rakitic has been with the Blaugrana for the past five seasons and during this period, he has made nearly 270 appearances across all competitions, scoring 35 goals.

The Croatian has regularly stated that he is content at the Blaugrana but the arrival of Frenkie de Jong from Ajax sees him without the assurance of a regular starting role.