More assists than Oscar and Hazard: Chelsea lead the race for clinical playmaker

Barcelona’s Sanchez fights for ball against Sevilla’s Rakitic during their Spanish First division soccer league match at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona

Reports in Croatia are suggesting that Chelsea and Manchester United are interested in signing Sevilla’s excellent attacking midfielder Ivan Rakitic.

The 25-year-old has been in sparkling form for the Spanish side this season, having created 23 chances, the most at Sevilla.

Sevilla have sold a range of stars in 2013 including Jesus Navas, Alvaro Negredo, Geoffrey Kondogbia and Gary Medel. Those sales brought in £58 million but the club’s President, Jose Maria Del Nido, wants to keep Rakitic at the club for as long as possible.

According to Croatian publication Jutarnji, Chelsea holds the greatest appeal for Rakitic, who they claim has been the fourth best player in Spain this season behind Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar.

It is thought that a bid of £13m would entice Sevilla into agreeing to sell the Croatian international, whose contract runs out in 2015.

However, he has always stated his desire to stay in Spain as his wife and daughter are both from the country, but the interest of Chelsea and United could tease the midfielder into moving across Europe.

Rakitic has converted 25.9% of his chances in La Liga this season. He has scored seven goals.