Long-term Man Utd target Ivan Rakitic ready to listen to offers

As per reports in Spain, long-term Manchester United target Ivan Rakitic has taken a sensational U-turn and now looks ready to listen to offers. It will certainly act as a massive boost for the Red Devils who have wanted him since his Sevilla days. 

The Red Devils have struggled for form this season and their poor midfield display is one of the key factors behind that. A player of Rakitic's quality and experience can certainly help them improve on that aspects. 

The Croat was a player very much in demand this summer with teams like PSG, Juventus, Internazionale, and, of course, Manchester United chasing his signature. However, he insisted that he is fully committed to Barcelona and does not want a switch. 

The 31-year-old has now changed his stance and is now said to be open to offers. The reason is believed to be his lack of playing time this season for the Catalan giants. 

The superstar midfielder has started just one game for Barcelona this season and has appeared from the bench on seven occasions. So, it is not hard to see why the Croat great has changed his stance. 

He is now 31 years of age and has hardly three to four years left at the top level. A player of Rakitic's quality has every right to expect to be involved more before finally hanging up his boots. 

Manchester United must use the situation to their advantage in order to solve their midfield woes. They will definitely have a lot of competition for the signature of the former Schalke midfielder and they have to stave that off. 

He can be an automatic choice in the struggling midfield of the 20-time English champions which is hard to believe at clubs like PSG or Juventus. So, Manchester United does have one big advantage. 

However, there is also a bad news for the English giants that the Croat wants a move to either Italy or France. He wants to avoid joining the Premier League due to family reasons. 

Speaking about his future, the frustrated Barcelona midfielder recently stated: "I don't know what will come now. 

"It's tough because I want to play and not just be part of the team. I will do everything possible to change my situation. 

"I have two years left on my deal and there's no better place to play than Barcelona, the best club in the world, but I need to play and not just enjoy walks around the city and the beach. 

"I spoke with people at the club everyone knew I had other options. I want to fight so that the team see me ready to deliver on the pitch. 

"I want to thank the fans for the affection they showed me this weekend, but if nothing changed, we will have to sit down and talk about my situation again."

Cover image credits: Marca