Report: Manchester United target Ivan Rakitic

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is lining up a move for Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic, according to reports.

The 26-year-old joined Luis Enrique's side from Sevilla for £14m in the summer, but has failed to impress this season and has been linked with a move to the Premier League.

The Old Trafford club are understood to be lining up a £20m bid for Rakitic after Chelsea entered the race to sign long-term target Kevin Strootman.

However, van Gaal will face competition for the Croatian's signature from rivals Manchester City, according to The Express.

Rakitic has four goals in 20 appearances for Barcelona this season, but has been used sparingly by Enrique in recent weeks.