Liverpool Representative Spotted In Spain Scouting La Liga Star – Report

A Liverpool scout watched Sevilla's Ivan Rakitic make two assists in the win over Villarreal ahead of a possible January transfer window bid for the Croatian international, reports in Spain claim.

The 25-year-old playmaker is proving to be a sensation in La Liga this season and is currently negotiating a new contract with Sevilla with just one and a half years remaining on his current deal.

Rakitic has already rejected the offer of a new four-year deal and several European clubs are hoping to take advantage of his uncertain future – with Chelsea, Manchester United and Atletico Madrid representing the greatest competition to Liverpool acquiring his services.

According to Spanish Newspaper El Correo de Andalucia a Liverpool representative was at the Estadio El Madrigal scouting Rakitic six months on from being linked with the player during last summer.

Sevilla want to hold on to their outstanding performer of the season but according to president Pepe Castro the club would be open to selling him if any rival side met his £33m release clause.

"Ivan Rakitic has a year and a half of his contract remaining. I have absolutely no doubts that we're going to reach an agreement with him,

"If anyone else is in a rush to have Rakitic, his clause is €40m and we'll leave it at that," Castro said.

Last summer Sevilla were forced to part with both Jesus Navas and Alvaro Negredo, who joined Manchester City for a combined £40m, in order to ease the club's financial problems.

Meanwhile, United, who have been in pursuit of a playmaker since failing to sign Cesc Fabregas and Ander Herrera, are also interested in acquiring his services.

Manager David Moyes made an approach while he was at Everton and now sees him as the perfect complement to his midfield.