Ivan Rakitic 'likely to sign new Barcelona deal' despite Manchester United continued interest

Ivan Rakitic is likely to continue at Barcelona despite Jose Mourinho still trying to lure him to Manchester United, according to Mundo Deportivo. The Croatian international has enjoyed a slow start to the season at Nou Camp but the Spanish publications claims that he is determined to turnaround the situation and commit his long-term future to the club by signing a new deal.

The 28-year-old midfielder was a crucial player for Barcelona during his first two seasons at the Nou Camp, forming an impressive trident alongside captain Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets following the departure of Xavi Hernandez.

Mundo Deportivo previously reported that all Manchester United, Juventus, Chelsea and even Real Madrid had been attracted by his impressive display at the Nou Camp and, during the summer, made approaches to lure him away from the Catalan giants.

Rakitic decided to turn them all to stay at Barcelona but the speculations have continued during the start of the new campaign.

His agent, Arturo Canales, last month insisted that his client was happy in La Liga but refusing to close the door to a future experience in the English football.

"Ivan is very happy at FC Barcelona, where he has been tremendously successful and has a contract with the club until 2019," representative Arturo Canales told the Daily Mail. "Ivan loves football and is only 28-years-old. Having played in Switzerland, Germany and Spain, who knows if one day he'll be ready to have an experience in England, but for now he's an FC Barcelona player."

Those speculations have increased even further after Rakitic has lost importance for manager Luis Enrique following the summer arrivals of both Andre Gomes and Denis Suarez.

Rakitic has started 10 La Liga games this season, but has been subbed in many of those encounters despite Andres Iniesta was out for more than a month due to injuries. Furthermore, the former Sevilla star was replaced in the recent El Clasico against Real Madrid, following a poor display, and was an unused substitute in the 3-0 victory over Osasuna on the weekend despite also missing the previous encounter with Borussia Monchengladbach due to suspension.

It has been reported that the likes of Manchester United and other European big giants could take advantage of the situation to make new attempts to lure him away from Barcelona.

However, reliable Mundo Deportivo journalist Francesc Aguilar is now claiming that Rakitic's idea remains to sign a new deal at Barcelona soon.

The Spanish publication says it is true that Jose Mourinho is insisting in bringing him to Manchester United, despite the Croatian rejecting a move to Old Trafford during the summer transfer window. But Rakitic is instead reportedly ready to fight to get his place back at the Barcelona's starting line-up and sign a new long-term deal at the Nou Camp.

Neymar, Sergio Busquets and Javier Mascherano have all inked new deals in recent months while Barcelona have publicly admitted that they hope Rakitic, Luis Suarez and Lionel messi could follow the same footsteps in the near future.