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Manchester United have opened talks with Barcelona about a possible deal for midfielder Ivan Rakitić.
The Croatian international, who joined Barcelona from Sevilla in July 2014, has been a fixture in the Barcelona side for the past five years, but has started just one game for the club this season, playing just three hours of football in all competitions. Now the Catalans are willing to sell him in January, deeming him surplus to requirements at the Nou Camp.
United have already expressed their interest in signing him, and have opened talks with the Spanish champions, although they may have to pay at least £34 million (€40 million) to secure his services. And they may face competition from Inter Milan who have also made enquiries with the Catalans as to his availability.
If Rakitić does move to Old Trafford, he might find a familiar face there, with United also keen on signing his Croatian international team mate, striker Mario Mandžukić.
Andy is an exiled English football fan living in Cyprus. He loves all sports but football is his abiding passion, and he still has dreams every now and then about scoring the winning goal in a Wembley Cup Final, even though his playing days are long gone. He follows most major leagues, across Europe at least, and has a favoured team in each. When he’s not watching, listening, reading or downloading podcasts about football, he spend his time worrying about his beloved Arsenal.