Atletico Madrid leading race for Barcelona star Ivan Rakitic as Man Utd keep transfer tabs on midfielder

ATLETICO MADRID are preparing to step up their chase of Ivan Rakitic amid competition from Manchester United.

Reports in Spain outline a step-up in talks between the Barcelona midfielder and Atleti ahead of a potential summer transfer.

Rakitic's contract at the Nou Camp runs out in the summer and he is said to be considering a move to Atleti, who failed to sign him in 2011 and 2014.

report that Rakitic's representatives have been in negotiations with Diego Simeone's side since the back end of last year.

Atletico are thought to be ready to meet the hefty contract demands required to bring the Croat to Madrid.

Their cause will be boosted by the fact Rakitic wants to remain in Spain having enjoyed great success with Sevilla and Barcelona.

That would put United at a distinct disadvantage.

Rakitic's family are also reportedly scouting out potential homes to move into across the Spanish capital with wife Raquel said to not favour a move away.

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Ahead of the January transfer market, reports in Spain detailed a bid of £13m from an unnamed Premier League club that was rejected by Barcelona.

United, along with Inter Milan and Juventus, were tipped to sign Rakitic during that window but his re-emergence under former Barca boss Ernesto Valverde helped convince him to stay.

However the midfielder has only started two LaLiga games since new coach Quique Setien took over, and featured for just the final ten minutes of the weekend defeat in El Clasico.