Ernesto Valverde expects Ivan Rakitic to stay at Barcelona

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde has played down suggestions that Ivan Rakitic could leave the Spanish champions before the European transfer window closes on September 2.

Rakitic has not started either of Barca's La Liga matches this season, and it has been claimed that Juventus and Inter Milan are locked in a battle to sign the Croatia international.

The 31-year-old was also linked with Manchester United earlier this month amid suggestions that the Catalan outfit were prepared to part with him.

However, Valverde has hinted that the 2018 World Cup finalist will be staying at Camp Nou.

"He is a great player who has played a lot here and nothing makes me think he won't be here," he told reporters at a press conference on Friday.

Rakitic has won four La Liga titles, four Copas del Rey and the Champions League since joining Barca from Sevilla in the summer of 2014.