From Spain: Boost for Milan as Barcelona rule out sale of midfielder to Atletico

By Oliver Fisher -

AC Milan have been given a boost in their reported pursuit of Ivan Rakitic as it is claimed that Atletico Madrid have seen an offer rejected.

Rakitic is one player who Milan continue to be linked with, and il Corriere Della Sera claimed last month that the Croatia international has been offered to the club, but doubts over his high salary remain.

Catalan outlet Sport recently reported that Rakitic could be forced to leave after five-and-a-half years at the Camp Nou, but that Barca are holding out for €35m after rejected a €15m bid from an English side.

The 31-year-old has also expressed his sadness at not playing as much this season, and now an update on his future has arrived.

According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo – as cited by MilanNews.it – Atletico Madrid and Diego Simeone have received a categorical no from Barcelona regarding a possible sale of Rakitic.

The Blaugrana have no intention of strengthening a direct competitor for the title, the report adds, while a number of teams in England and Spain are also interested in the former Sevilla man.

Juventus, Inter and Manchester United are also among the clubs who have been linked with a move for Rakitic.

Tags AC Milan Ivan Rakitic
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