Shock Rakitic-City links denied

Ivan Rakitic’s camp insists “there’s absolutely nothing” in reports that the Barcelona midfielder is set to join Manchester City.

Croatian publication Jutarnji List broke an ‘exclusive’ on Sunday that Rakitic was “very close” to signing for City, however his representative Arturo Canales categorically denied such a claim to Mundo Deportivo.

MD explains Jutarnji List is “usually credible” due to it having “good sources near Croatia players”.

The 28-year-old was also nowhere to be seen at Villarreal on Sunday and admitted he would like to play under City boss Pep Guardiola before the English giants’ visit of La Blaugrana in November.

City are said to be on the lookout for a new midfielder after losing Ilkay Gundogan to a serious injury, and the former Sevilla man was recommended by sporting director Txiki Begiristain, formerly of the Catalans.

Nonetheless, MD claims Rakitic has ordered his representatives not to listen to any offers this month as he is is determined to regain the confidence of Coach Luis Enrique and his first-choice status at Camp Nou.

Tags Ivan Rakitic Manchester City
La Liga - Club News