Ivan Rakitic is reportedly nearing an exit from Barcelona this summer after failing to strike a new contract agreement with the La Liga champions.
The midfielder, who moved to Camp Nou in 2014, has failed to win the hearts of Barcelona fans, with a recent poll suggesting that 57% of supporters wanted him to leave the club.
Moreover, manager Ernesto Valverde plans to use Sergi Roberto in a more attacking number eight role next season, which is likely to push Rakitic further down the pecking order in an already-packed midfield.
According to AS, the failure to strike an agreement with Barcelona has pushed Rakitic closer towards the exit door.
The midfielder has stressed that, despite Barcelona's acquisition of Frenkie de Jong earlier this summer, he wants to remain in Spain and fight for his place in the team.
Newly-appointed Inter Milan boss Antonio Conte is among the parties interested in signing Rakitic should the Croat ultimately decide to leave.
Leo Nieboer
