Juventus chief rules out January transfer for Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic

Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici has ruled out the prospect of signing Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic over the January transfer window.

The Croat is expected to leave Barcelona in January after managing just one La Liga start this season, with new signing Frenkie de Jong filling his position.

Reports have claimed that Juventus are interested in signing Rakitic for a cut price when the January window opens.

Speaking on the subject of Rakitic, Paratici told ESPN: "We have a great team and are not looking for reinforcement right now. We are strong in every position.

"Rakitic is a great player but we are not interested."

Barcelona manager recognises the need to address a bloated squad in January, with the Spaniard also reportedly willing to dispense with Arturo Vidal and Samuel Umtiti.

It has also been suggested that Inter Milan are interested in completing a deal for Rakitic, who joined Barcelona in 2014.