Barcelona News: Ivan Rakitic Confirmed As Second Summer Signing

Barcelona have completed the expected signing of Sevilla midfielder Ivan Rakitic, who had been linked with a move to Liverpool and Manchester United in recent months.

With his contract at Sevilla set to expire next summer, a number of big European clubs were reportedly involved in the battle for his signature but Barcelona have finally won the race to other suitors by securing his services in a five-year-deal to replace Cesc Fabregas.

Even though Barcelona have not made official it is understand that they have paid around £16m to secure his services - while former Manchester City youngster Denis Suarez will go on loan to Sevilla as part of the deal.

"FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC have reached an agreement for the transfer of Ivan Rakitic," a club statement read. "Ivan Rakitic will sign a contract with FC Barcelona for the next five seasons. Both clubs have also agreed for Denis Suárez to be loaned to the Andalusian club for the next two seasons.

The 26-year-old midfielder is currently with Croatia in the World Cup after proved to be a sensation in La Liga, scoring 12 goals and grabbed 12 assists.

Barcelona had already completed the signing of goalkeeper Marc Andre Ter Stegen while manager Luis Enrique covered Gerardo Martino's vacant earlier this summer.

The Catalan club are expected to do a big summer overhaul after a season without silverware and they have also brought youngsters Rafinha and Gerard Deulofeu back to the Nou Camp after their successive loan spells at Celta Vigo and Everton.

Meanwhile, legend Carles Puyol has hanged his boots, Victor Valdes has decided to move away while back-up goalkeeper José Manuel Pinto was released by the club.

Furthermore, according to the reports the club are also set to part ways with Alexis Sanchez, Alex Song and Dani Alves while Xavi Hernandez's future is still up in the air.