Ivan Rakitic 'turned down Manchester United, Chelsea'

Ivan Rakitic turned down both Manchester United and Chelsea to remain at Barcelona this summer, according to a report.

The Croatian international has developed into a key player for the Catalan outfit since joining from Sevilla in 2014, scoring 18 times in 112 appearances and winning two La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey crowns and the Champions League in the process.

Barcelona have brought in both Denis Suarez and Andre Gomes to challenge for midfield positions this season, however, and it had been claimed that the Spanish champions would be open to allowing Rakitic to depart in the summer transfer window.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Man United and Chelsea both presented the 28-year-old with offers this summer, but the midfielder turned down the interest as he wants to remain in Catalonia.

Rakitic headed the only goal of the match as Barcelona recorded a 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao last weekend to record a second straight La Liga win at the start of the new campaign.