Barca hopeful of cashing in on star

Barcelona are hopeful of cashing in on Ivan Rakitic during the January transfer window as a host of clubs are keen on his signature. The Croatia international continues to be linked with a move away from the Nou Camp as he struggles to force his way into Ernesto Valverde’s star-studded side.
He has started just two matches in La Liga this season and is keen to move on in search of regular first-team football.
Barca are also happy for him to move on as he does not figure in the plans of Valverde going forward and by removing him off the wage bill and bringing in a transfer fee, it gives them scope to strengthen their own ranks.
The Catalan giants will not let him go cheaply though and reports claim they have already turned down £13million from an unnamed English Premier League side.
They are holding out for £30million and are confident of getting it. Despite Rakitic’s lack of action for Barca, he is still a very talented player and could get in most top sides throughout Europe.
The midfielder has chipped in with 34 goals and 38 appearance in 278 appearances for Barca since signing from Sevilla in 2014 and still has some good years ahead of him.
AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus and Atletico Madrid are all said to be interested and could make a move when the January transfer window opens.
The fee involved should not be a problem, but it has been suggested Rakitic will have to lower his wage demands to complete a move.