Fabregas out, Rakitic within hours

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Barcelona are set to formally announce the signing of Ivan Rakitic on Friday after selling Cesc Fabregas to Chelsea on Wednesday.

Following the sale of Cesc Fabregas to Chelsea on Wednesday, Barcelona are set to announce the signing of Ivan Rakitic, who was in action last night against Brazil in the opening game of the World Cup.

The Croatian midfielder was arguably the most in-form midfielder in La Liga last season, helping Sevilla to a Europa League title success and being the only man in the Spanish top flight to score past the top three – Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid.

And, his impressive performances for the Andalusian club had gained interest from a number of big spending European clubs, with the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid all mentioned.

The exact transfer fee for Rakitic is yet to be announced but it is thought to be in the region of £15m with the addition of Suarez, whom has been playing for Barcelona’s successful B side since joining the Catalan club from Manchester City in 2013.