According to Spanish outlet Don Balon, Manchester United are preparing an offer for Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic. The portal states that Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho is convinced he can persuade the 28-year-old Croatian international to make the switch to Old Trafford.
 

Despite claims from the player’s agent Arturo Canales, that Rakitic is happy in Catalunya and that he has a contract until 2019, Mourinho sees the player as the ideal candidate to replace Michael Carrick in the centre of the midfield and become the perfect foil for Frenchman Paul Pogba.
 

Rakitic joined the blaugrana in 2014 from Sevilla and has made around 80 appearances for the Spanish giants. He’s been a regular face in his country’s national team since 2007, making 81 appearances and scoring 13 goals. This season has seen him come under increasing criticism for some below-par performances for his club but Mourinho is ready to table a £35 million bid to try to bring him to the Premier League.

Steve Mitchell @barafundler