Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho made an attempt to sign Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic this summer, despite the arrival of record-signing Paul Pogba, according toreports in Spain.
El Mundo Deportivoreport that Mourinho wasn't the only Premier League manager keen on the Croatian international, with Chelsea boss Antonio Conte also reportedly keeping tabs over the summer.
Serie A champions Juventus were also interested in signing Rakitic as a replacement for Paul Pogba, but their interest waned after they signed Miralem Pjanic for £27.2mfrom rivals Roma.
Due to none of the interest coming into fruition, Rakitic looks set to extend his contract at Barcelona, which currently runs to 2019.
The three clubs were initially interested after it appeared that Rakitic had grown unsettled at Barcelona, having rarely completed a full 90-minutes under Catalan boss Luis Enrique.
However, ElMundo Deportivo now report that Rakitc didn't use this as anexcuseto leave, and that heand his family are all settled in Barcelona.
� Take a look at how @ivanrakitic is such a total footballer: https://t.co/hyxegox7xR pic.twitter.com/2JzGPkJWFZ
In July, Barcelona announced the shock signing of Valencia midfielder Andre Gomes,whoreportedlysigned for a deal worth€50m.
The switch prompted speculation over Rakitic's future, which were intensified when his representativeMiquel Sors Tweeted: "It's time to go."
The Croatian star quickly dispelled the rumours though, writing this on his Instagram: "Getting ready for the new season and really up for it. By the way, my only agent is Arturo Canales."
Barcelona have started their La Liga defence in fine form, recording two wins from two as they lie top of the table, joint with rivals Real Madrid and Las Palmas.