Jose Mourinho is targeting Ivan Rakitic and has earmarked the midfielder as a missing link who could benefit us, according to reports in Spain (h/t Mirror).

The 29-year-old Rakitic joined the Catalan giants in 2014 and has since become a first-team regular. However, it has been suggested that if Barca manage to land Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid, Philippe Coutinho will be pushed into a deeper role which will result in Rakitic being pushed out of the side.

If this does happen, there is no doubt that Old Trafford will be a tempting destination for Rakitic. With Paul Pogba’s future up in the air and Michael Carrick set to retire at the end of the season, Rakitic will be a welcome addition to the side.

Rakitic reportedly has offers from clubs all across Europe if he does decide to leave Barcelona and we are reportedly leading the race to sign him.

Pogba is said to be involved in a dispute with Mourinho in recent times which has led to him being dropped to the bench. He could leave us at the end of the season. The Frenchman reportedly feels that he is being played out of position, which is affecting his performances negatively while Mourinho denies that this is the case.

Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola has however suggested that the player will not be leaving United till after he has won a Premier League title. He told Italian TV station Rai Sport (h/t Mirror):

“If things are not going well, I try to do my job, to find satisfactory solutions for my players and the clubs.

“At the moment, Paul hasn’t told me anything and I know he won’t move without having won a title. There isn’t as big a war with Mourinho as has been reported, but in the transfer market, you never tell the truth and you can never say never.”

Do you think Rakitic would be a good replacement for Pogba/Carrick?