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Man Utd and Man City transfer update: Whatsapp group could scupper deal for Barcelona ace
MANCHESTER UNITED and Manchester City have received a blow in their pursuit of Barcelona star Ivan Rakitic, reports claim.
Sky Sports presenter makes huge error about Ivan Rakitic
Manchester United and Manchester City are both keen on signing the Barcelona midfielder.
Rakitic has fallen down the pecking order at the Nou Camp in recent months with manager Luis Enrique regularly opting for Andre Gomes in his place.
That - coupled with the fact his contract expires in 2018 - has led to talk that he could be about to move to the Premier League.
However, The Sun claim that the Croatia international is also interesting Serie A giants Juventus.
Ivan Rakitic is wanted by Manchester United and Manchester City
Ivan Rakitic has a close relationship with Dani Alves - who wants him to join Juventus
It is said that the 28-year-old is part of a Whatsapp group with Juventus stars who are determined to persuade him to move to Turin.
Among them is Dani Alves, who left Barcelona for Juventus last summer.
Compatriots Marko Pjaca and Mario Mandzukic are also using a charm offensive to secure his signature.
The chat itself is reportedly named "Juventus" with Rakitic regularly being inundated with messages about how good life at Juventus is.
Manchester United want Ivan Rakitic to replace Michael Carrick
Enrique is said to have found out about the chat - which is the real reason for his absence from Barcelona's starting line-up.
Rakitic has told the Juventus stars about rifts within the dressing room but stated his preference is to stay at Barcelona - should Enrique leave in the summer.
Juventus see Rakitic as the ideal replacement for Andrea Pirlo.
United are keen to bring him to Old Trafford to fill Michael Carrick's boots, while City are chasing a midfielder with Ilkay Gundogan currently sidelined through injury.
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