FC Barcelona look to have succeeded in a plot to beat La Liga rivals Real Madrid and champions Atletico Madrid to the services of Sevilla’s Ivan Rakitic, according to reports from Spain.
Barcelona have reportedly agreed a €20m (£16m) deal to sign Rakitic from Sevilla.
The Croatian midfielder, who scored a total of 15 goals in 52 appearances, as well as posting 17 assist, played a vital role as the Andalucians finished fifth in the league and claimed the Europa Cup with victory over Benfica.
The 26-year-old’s father had admitted earlier this week that Real, Barca and Atletico have all entered the race for the former Schalke player, while adding: “We’ll decide after the World Cup.”
Luis Enrique’s men are now in poll position to sign Rakitic, and are believed to have agreed a deal ahead of next week’s World Cup.
