Manchester United have opened talks with Barcelona over signing midfielder Ivan Rakitic in January - according to reports.
The Croatian has slipped down the pecking order under Ernesto Valverde, starting just one game in the league, leading to suggestions he could opt for an exit in January.
Frenkie De Jong's arrival and the form of Brazilian midfielder Arthur has left Rakitic out in the cold and a move to the Premier League has been mooted.
United have long been linked with the 31-year-old and reports in Spain suggest he has popped up on their radar again as they search for a midfielder to bolster their ranks in January.
Sport claim Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is interested in luring him to Old Trafford with Barcelona set to demand €30million in order to part ways.
However, the Reds will face competition for his signature according to Mundo Deportivo with both Juventus and Inter Milan keen to bring the midfielder to Italy.
Elsewhere, Barcelona would rather sign Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford than Liverpool star Roberto Firmino - according to reports.
The Spanish giants are searching for a striker to replace Luis Suarez in the long-term.
Mundo Deportivo suggest Barca have drawn up a four-man shortlist consisting of Rashford, Firmino, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe.
The report claims Liverpool fans can rest easy as Rashford remain their preference.
United have no intention of allowing their star forward to leave and the 21-year-old remains under contract until 2023.
Solskjaer's search for a striker may be nearing the end with a move for Mario Mandzukic reportedly close to completion. The forward was considered as a replacement for Romelu Lukaku in the summer but a deal never materialised.
The Express via Tuttosport claim a verbal agreement to sign the 33-year-old has been made and now report the Juventus forward could make the move to Manchester in December - with the transfer window shut.
Moving early would allow the former Bayern Munich forward to adjust to his new surroundings so he is able to hit the ground running when he is eligible to play in the New Year.
