Barcelona close to Ivan Rakitic deal

Barcelona are reportedly on the verge of announcing the signing of Ivan Rakitic from Sevilla.

The Croatian midfielder is currently on international duty ahead of the World Cup, but representatives from both clubs have met a number of times this week.

It is understood that Barcelona will part with £16m for the 26-year-old.

According to Diari Ara, Barcelona B midfielder Denis Suarez will move to Sevilla on loan as part of the agreement, but the specifics of that particular deal have not yet been agreed.

Rakitic contributed 12 goals and 10 assists in La Liga last season.