Luka Modric has indicated that his Croatia
international colleague Ivan Rakitic's mooted move
to Barcelona has already been wrapped up.
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Widespread reports in the Spanish and Catalan
media said Sevilla midfielder Rakitic, 26, would
join Barca in a 20 million euro move, with Denis
Suarez moving the other way on a season-long loan
as part of the deal.
The transfer is expected to set in motion a chain of
events that could see Cesc Fabregas leave
Barcelona for Chelsea in a 36 million euro deal and
playmaker Xavi Hernandez move on after over two
decades at the club.
Speaking to Sport from Croatia's World Cup
training camp in Brazil, Modric said he would have
liked his club, Real Madrid, to sign Rakitic.
He added: "But in the end it could not be, and he
has gone to Barca. I am very happy for him -- he
deserves it. To go to a big club like Barca, with a
global dimension, is an important step in his
career."
Modric said Switzerland-born Rakitic, who
impressed as Sevilla won the Europa League and
finished fifth in the Primera Division, had shown
he had what was needed to succeed at Barcelona.
"Everyone has seen this season what he is capable
of doing," he said. "He is a great footballer who is
improving. I am convinced that his performances
in the coming seasons will be even better."
The part of playmaker Suarez, 20, in the deal has
yet to be confirmed by either club, but his likely
loan deal may include a set price to buy should he
impress.
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