Former Everton target Rakitic set for January exit

Former Everton target and Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic could be set for a January move, according to reports in Spain.

Since the arrival of former Ajax starlet Frenkie de Jong at the Nou Camp this season, the Croatia international has struggled for game-time in Catalonia.

According to Marca, the 2018 World Cup finalist could now be set to leave Barcelona once the transfer window reopens, with Juventus and Manchester United said to be interested.

The Guardian had reported in the summer that the Toffees were interested in pursuing a deal for the former Sevilla man, and with Everton still interested in midfield reinforcements despite signing JP Gbamin, Fabian Delph and Andre Gomes, some have speculated that the club could reignite interest.

TBR are one such outlet, who also speculate that with the disappointing form of a number of Everton midfielders such as Gomes and Gylfi Sigurdsson, that Everton could move for someone with genuine quality.

Read Everton Verdict

Given that Rakitic is 31, and he would likely cost a significant fee for his age, the midfielder might not be the best option for the Toffees.

That’s before we even gauge whether Rakitic would consider moving to a club like Everton, and that is unlikely, although having multiple former teammates in Gomes and Lucas Digne at Goodison Park could help sway the Croatian.

Ultimately, this story isn’t supported by much evidence that Everton are actually interested, and for the conditions of a prospective deal not being too appealing and with bigger clubs with deeper pockets also interested, I wouldn’t hold my breathe.