Neymar: Rakitic, Todibo and Dembele could move says Balague
Manchester United are set to miss out on the signing of Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic, with AC Milan plotting yet another move to sign the midfielder. Rakitic stayed at the Nou Camp against the odds last summer, despite being heavily linked with a move away from the club.
United were linked with a move to sign Rakitic in last summer's transfer window.
The Croatian appeared to be at the end of his time in Barcelona, but he ended up staying put.
Now 32 years of age, Rakitic has seen his game time diminished by the signing of Frenkie De Jong, with Sergio Busquets and Arthur employed alongside him in the middle.
As a result, Rakitic has become regarded as dispensable by the La Liga leaders.
Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic is expected to leave (Image: GETTY)
United were tipped to go back in for him again in the upcoming window, despite the £46.6million signing of Bruno Fernandes, though now that seems unlikely.
Instead, he appears more likely to head to Italy, as AC Milan are prepping another bid.
The San Siro giants have tried to sign him on three occasions now, falling short each time.
Reports from Spain indicate that Barca have decided to offload the Croatian as they attempt to recoup funds for a big summer spending spree.
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"I will reveal something that I have never told anyone before," Mirabelli said.
"When I worked for Milan, I went to Barcelona to try and sign Ivan Rakitic. He was negotiating a new contract with Barça and I was hoping he would listen to other offers for his future.
"We got to his place and from the garage a lift took us up to his house.
"He was excited, he told me that if he didn't renew with Barcelona, he would seriously have considered our offer.