Barcelona close on Rakitic

Barcelona are in advanced talks to sign Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic from Sevilla, reports Catalan daily newspaper Sport.

The Catalans had expressed their interest in the player few months ago, but they have only stepped up their efforts after new boss Luis Enrique gave the green light.

Barcelona officials are confident the Croatia international would be a very good addition to the squad at Camp Nou and they are determined to add him to their ranks this summer.

And while Sevilla are in no need to sell, it is believed los Rojiblancos will not stand in the player’s way after he proved a very loyal servant to the club.

Sport understands that the two clubs will agree on a transfer fee in the region of €20 million.

Ivan Rakitic, 26, is expected to star for Croatia at the 2014 World Cup, where Vatreni are 1/1 to progress from Group A.