Manchester City enter the race to sign Barcelona star

Manchester City have reportedly entered the pursuit of midfielder Ivan Rakitic, who has found gametime hard to come by at Barcelona this term.

The Croatia international has been deemed surplus to requirements at the Camp Nou and he has managed just one league start since August.

As a result, he has already voiced his frustration over the limited playing time and Sport claims that he could head through the exit door in January.

The same outlet suggests that Pep Guardiola could be eyeing a permanent deal for Rakitic as he is not entirely content with the current options at hand.

David Silva is set to leave the club at the end of the campaign and reports indicate that Rakitic may take up the Spaniard's role for the next few years.

Aside from Pep Guardiola's side, Inter Milan are also in the running to sign the former Sevilla man, who is likely to cost around £33m when the transfer window reopens.

The Citizens are currently second in the league standings and they are six points adrift of Liverpool, who are the only unbeaten side this season.

They are scheduled to face Aston Villa at home this weekend and they will be aiming to close the gap, particularly with the Reds facing a tricky challenge against Tottenham Hotspur.