Chelsea and Manchester United are among a host of clubs that have reportedly enquired about the availability of Barcelona star Ivan Rakitic.

According to Spanish publication Sport, Ivan Rakitic’s contract situation at Barcelona is causing an uproar in his suitors for the summer transfer window. Chelsea and Manchester United are among a host of clubs that include Bayern Munich, Juventus and Inter Milan that have stepped up their interest in the Croatian midfielder.

The report entails that Chelsea and Manchester United have enquired as to the player’s availability, a report backed by Daily Mail as well. On the other hand, Rakitic is not looking for a move, with the Croat ready to sit down with Barcelona and crack out a negotiated settlement to extend his stay at the club.

Sport also opine that Rakitic is aware of the interest his potential availability has been able to generate and is trying to pressure Barcelona into handing him a renewal. The player is key to Ernesto Valverde’s system and with the manager agreeing to an extension at the club, Rakitic’s chances of getting a renewal offer from Barcelona have increased.

Will he, won't he? (Picture Courtesy - AFP/Getty Images)
Will he, won’t he? (Picture Courtesy – AFP/Getty Images)

Chelsea have N’Golo Kante, Jorginho and Ross Barkley, with Mateo Kovacic still having less than six months left on his loan deal. But, Barkley has disappointed recently while Kante seems to be far off from adjusting to the Sarri-ball philosophy just yet. Even Jorginho hasn’t managed to set the stage alight, with his ‘safe’ passes not really cutting it at the Premier League level.

Manchester United, on the other hand, could be looking at the prospect of phasing out Nemanja Matic at the bed of the midfield three. Another thing that could be increasing United’s interest is the contract situation of Spanish duo Juan Mata and Ander Herrera.

There will be a dearth of creative options and natural midfielders if the duo leave and Rakitic’s arrival could serve as ‘Two Birds One Stone’ for Manchester United.

The report further claims that Barcelona could be looking to generate as much as €65 million from Rakitic’s departure, a figure clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United and others should not hesitate in shelling out, should they intend to land the World Cup finalist.

As far as Rakitic is concerned, the 30-year-old would rather sign a renewal with Barcelona than consider moving to a different league at this stage of his career. But, with the club already signing Frenkie de Jong, and Arthur pressing to become a key player at Barcelona, the Croat could just take up the offer, should any come his way in the summer.

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