Bayern Munich have joined Chelsea in the race to sign Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic, according to reports.
The Croat, who has spent four-and-a-half years with the Catalan giants, is concerned about his playing time due to the impending arrival of Ajax starlet Frenkie De Jong.
De Jong is regarded as one of the most promising stars in Europe and he sealed a £60million switch to La Blaugrana in January which will be confirmed in the summer.
This has raised concerns for Rakitic, 30, who is now wary of his long-term future with the LaLiga club.
Barca boss Ernesto Valverde is keen for the World Cup finalist to extend his contract, which currently runs until 2021, as he has become one of the most important members of his team.
However, if the midfielder fails to extend his deal, a bid of £44million will reportedly be enough to prise him away from LaLiga.
Chelsea have shown interest in the playmaker – and although Fifa have banned them from signing players for the next two windows – an appeal will likely allow them one last chance to spend in the summer.
In a fresh development, Sport are reporting Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich are also interest in signing Rakitic.
Bayern chiefs are admirers of the Croat and are keen to add to reinforcements to their midfield as James Rodriguez is set to return to Real Madrid in the summer.
He has proven his ability in Germany’s top-flight following his four year stint with Schalke from 2007-11.
This year he has proven once again invaluable to Valverde’s table-topping side, featuring in 23 of their 24 matches and providing two goals an assist,.