Who is Ivan Rakitic? Manchester City transfer target in profile – here’s what we know about Croatia international
Croatian midfielder once seen as a replacement for Barcelona legend Xavi has been dropped by Luis Enrique
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IVAN RAKITIC has been linked with a move to Manchester City after being dropped by Luis Enrique.
The Croatian midfielder was one heralded as a long-term replacement for legendary Barcelona playmaker Xavi.
But after being left out by Enrique for "technical reasons", for the January 8 clash with Villarreal it appears Rakitic is on the verge of leaving the Camp Nou.
And Pep Guardiola is at the front of the queue as he seeks technically gifted players to help him impose his philosophy on City.
Who is Ivan Rakitic and which clubs has he played for?
Rakitic was born in Switzerland to a footballing family of Croatian descent.
The 28-year-old's father and brother were both footballers and his early potential saw Basel snap him up from Mohlin-Riburg.
He spent ten years in the Swiss giants' academy before stepping up into the first team aged 17.
After two years with Basel, Schalke bought him for a Bargain £4.3million and Rakitic played over 100 times in a four-year spell in Germany.
Rakitic was brought so Spain by Sevilla in January 2011 and became captain in 2013 after years of superb performances.
Barcelona came calling in 2014 but after 120 appearances and 20 goals it appears as if the midfielder's time in Catalonia is up.
What has Ivan Rakitic won?
Rakitic won the Swiss Cup in his homeland and after a barren spell in Germany lifted the Europa League as Sevilla skipper in 2013-14 - where he was named man of the match in the final.
Since joining Barca, the trophies have flooded in with two La Liga triumphs, a Champions League win and two Spanish Cup victories the highest-profile achievements.
The Croat was named in the La Liga Team of the Season in his final year in Seville and debut season with Barcelona.
Rakitic has been capped 81 times by Croatia and has formed a formidable partnership with Real Madrid star Luca Modric.
What is Ivan Rakitic's style of play?
The superstar is used to controlling the tempo of games for club and country in a slightly more advanced position than compatriot Modric.
He is capable of playing off a striker but for City is more likely to line up behind the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva.
Rakitic is a busy player and while not a formidable presence physically will harry opponents and force them into mistakes.
After winning the ball, he is superb at finding team-mates between the lines with a short, snappy passing game.
While not a natural goalscorer, Rakitic is composed - as seen with a superb chip against the Czech Republic at Euro 2016 - and capable of finding the corner from range.
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How much will Ivan Rakitic cost?
Barca shelled out £15m for Rakitic and would expect to see a significant return on their investment.
Under contract until 2019, a fee would likely be in the region of £40m despite the playmaker moving towards his 30th birthday.
Despite being forced out of a highly competitive Barcelona midfield, the Croatian is highly sought after which could spark a bidding war.
Who will rival Manchester City for Ivan Rakitic's signature?
Italian champions Juventus are in the market for a player of Rakitic's calibre and have the financial clout to make a deal.
Moneybags Paris Saint-Germain are likely to keep a close eye on proceedings while AC Milan and Inter could do with a big-name signing to appease restless fans.
City and PSG both have catching up to do domestically which could see them willing to outprice their rivals to see a deal through.