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Manchester United have stepped up their pursuit of Barcelona midfielder and long-term target Ivan Rakitic.

The Croatia international has emerged as a target for Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with the Premier League club rumoured to be weighing up a summer swoop.

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.

It has been 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.

And, according to Sport , United have asked their Spanish counterparts to name their price.

(Image: Getty Images)

However Rakitic is not desperate to quit the Nou Camp and will only consider a potential move if United were to significantly improve his current contract.

It is claimed that the deal relies on what the midfielder decides to do this summer, but Barca have made it clear that they will not offer him an improved contract.

Barca, it is believed, are holding out for a fee of around £50million for the midfielder and United are also aware of Rakitic's wage demands.

(Image: Getty Images)

Last month, Barcelona midfielder Rakitic insisted that the arrival of Frenkie de Jong will not affect his place at 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."