Sevilla captain Ivan Rakitic is close to clinching a move to Barcelona, reports in Spain have claimed.
Sport say that Rakitic has made a firm commitment to La Blaugrana and it is a matter of the clubs coming to an agreement over the move.
It had been reported that Rakitic had agreed to move to champions Atletico Madrid.
Rakitic is viewed by Barca as providing a good balance of physicality and technique, which the club’s high-command feel is currently lacking.
The Croatia international would replace Alex Song and Cesc Fabregas, who are both expected to return to the Premier League.
Barca are aware of the rumour Rakitic has made an agreement with Atletico but believe it to be incorrect. Real Madrid have also been linked to the 26-year-old but Barca don’t expect Los Blancos to firm up their interest.
All concerned – Barca, Rakitic and Sevilla – are said to want to conclude the deal, costing a potential €20m, before the World Cup gets underway.
