Barcelona lining up replacement for Ivan Rakitic?

Barcelona have reportedly started looking at potential candidates to replace Ivan Rakitic ahead of the Croat leaving the club next year.

Rakitic, who moved to Camp Nou in 2014, has been rendered surplus to requirements under Ernesto Valverde this season, making just one start in all competitions.

The 31-year-old has attracted interest from Serie A, with both Juventus and Inter Milan reportedly monitoring the midfielder ahead of the January transfer window.

According to AS, the La Liga champions have commenced their search for a player capable of replicating the role of Rakitic.

Despite signing Frenkie de Jong from Ajax over the summer, the Dutchman is expected to step into the role of holding midfielder Sergio Busquets.

When it comes to filling the function of Rakitic, Barcelona are said to be looking at Fabian Ruiz, Rodrigo Bentancur and Saul Niguez.