Juventus 'open talks with Barcelona' over Man Utd transfer target Ivan Rakitic

The club's sporting director Fabio Paratici in believed to have discussed the prospect of signing Rakitic in a swap deal, with two Juventus players also entering the negotiations

Juventus have reportedly entered discussions with Barcelona over a potential swap deal for Ivan Rakitic.

The Croatian midfielder has found himself on the fringes of the Barca first team this season despite playing a key role in recent seasons.

Rakitic has managed just three league starts so far this campaign, and looks set to leave the Nou Camp in the near future with Man Utd among the interested clubs.

CalcioMercato report that Juve have made the first move to land the 31-year-old though, and have opened talks regarding his possible transfer.

They state that Rakitic could be allowed to move to Turin if Juve agree to let one of their stars head to Barcelona in return.

Defenders Daniele Rugani and Merih Demiral are both believed to have been discussed in the negotiations, while Barca are keen on winger Federico Bernardeschi.

Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici is said to have held meetings with Barca chiefs in an attempt to finalise an agreement ahead of the January transfer window.

However it is thought that Bernardeschi will not be let go in January.

Rakitic has recently played down suggestions he could be set to leave the club, after stating how he felt Barcelona was the "perfect place" for him.

He said: "After recent months a lot of things happened to me. Sometimes things happen that one can’t understand but has to accept.

“It happened to me. Nobody gives you anything. I want to give everything and if I can play here then I’ve always said there’s no better place than Barca to keep winning titles, it’s the perfect place for me."

He has also enjoyed a mini resurgence in the Barca side, starting all of their last three matches, raising questions as to whether Ernesto Valverde would be happy to let the player leave.

Should a transfer not go through in January, it could be delayed until the summer, which would then bring Bernardeschi into the equation.

Juve would not be keen on doing a straight swap with their 25-year-old star in exchange for Rakitic, but could be tempted if another player was included.

Paratici has expressed his admiration for young Barca defender Jean-Clair Todibo, who could be a potential option.