Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic insists that the arrival of Frenkie de Jong will not affect his place at the club.
The Croatia international has emerged as a target for Manchester United , with the Premier League club rumoured to be in talks over a £48 million move.
The 31-year-old joined Barcelona from Sevilla in 2014 and has helped the Spanish giants to four La Liga titles and a Champions League triumph.
And although he is reportedly keen to remain at the Nou Camp, it is claimed that the Catalan club will look to sell the midfielder this summer in an attempt to help finance moves for Matthijs de Ligt and Antoine Griezmann.
De Ligt's Ajax team-mate De Jong has already joined Barcelona in a £67 million deal, leading to suggestions that he might replace Rakitic in the team's midfield.
However, the Croatian playmaker does not believe his place in Ernesto Valverde's squad is threatened by De Jong's arrival and took time to welcome the Dutchman to the club.
"I'm glad they signed him [De Jong] up," he told Mundo Deportivo .
"First of all there is a young boy who is playing very well and I am glad that the club continues to strengthen. Every good player that can arrive, delighted.
"But also everyone has their place," he continued. "He arrives but I am convinced that he will not arrive for my position, my position is occupied.
"I wish you good luck and I respect you one hundred percent. Besides, he is playing in another position that is not mine, so I do not understand why they relate him to me.
"I'm glad you come. I hope you have good morning now that you are in Barcelona, that you enjoy and are welcome."
Rakitic has played 52 times for Barcelona this season, helping the club to a second successive La Liga title.
Valverde's side will be hoping to complete a domestic double when they face Valencia in the Copa Del Rey Final on Saturday.
