Manchester United looking to swap Anthony Martial for Ivan Rakitic

Seems like the Premier League’s Manchester duo are still not done with the. Reports coming out of Manchester claim that both Manchester United and Manchester City are lining up to sign Barcelona’s midfield maestro Ivan Rakitic.

News had come that United were willing to make a swap deal of either Anthony Martial or Ander Herrera with Barcelona to land the Croatian to England. However, The Manchester Evening News claim the Blues are now set to go head-to-head with rivals Manchester United for the signature of Ivan Rakitic, whilst also planning a move for Inter Milan’s Milan Skriniar.

Both clubs have invested heavily in players this transfer season. While City strengthened their defence by getting in Kyle Walker, Ederson and Aymen Laporte, that currently sees them as the runaway leaders in the Premier League, Manchester United’s forward signings of Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez have failed to click that putting them at second spot but 16 points adrift of City.

Meanwhile at Barcelona, Ivan has been a pivotal force in the midfield, but the arrival of Coutinho and Paulino, along with the presence of the indispensable Andres Iniesta, puts the Croatian in a tough spot. Spanish outlet Don Balon claim despite being a regular starter for Ernesto Valverde, the 29-year-old thinks it could be time to depart the Nou Camp.

A move abroad would definitely see regular play time for the 29-year-old without any hassle and also a change in the career as he demands. Reports have already surfaced that both Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho have contacted Rakitic. However, neither side  made an official bid for the midfielder in January but could resurrect their interest in the summer.

But a move to the Premier League may not be so straightforward as Rakitic has strong ties to Barcelona. The midfielder’s family all live in the city and he is said to have an additional home in Sevilla where he one day plans to retire. Don Balon claim any move to the UK would likely be on a short-term deal, no more than three years.

Rakitic has also not discussed leaving Barca with club officials and is under contract at the Nou Camp until June 2021.