Atletico Madrid are reportedly determined to secure a deal for Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic during this summer's transfer window.
The 31-year-old was strongly linked with a move away from Camp Nou in January but will be with the Spanish champions until at least the end of the 2019-20 campaign.
Rakitic has made 30 appearances at club level this season but has only started nine La Liga matches.
The Croatian's future in Catalonia is again the subject of debate, and according to Marca, Atletico have identified the 2018 World Cup finalist as a leading summer transfer target.
The report claims that Diego Simeone's side have already informed Rakitic of their interest through intermediaries, and the capital giants are at the head of the queue for his signature.
Rakitic will see his current deal with Quique Setien's side expire in the summer of 2021.
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
