Sevilla Close To Agreeing Terms With Schalke Midfielder Ivan Rakitic

Sevilla close to sealing the transfer of Schalke midfielder Ivan Rakitic, reports from Croatia suggest.
Reports from the Croatian press have claimed that Schalke’s Ivan Rakitic will sign for Primera Division side Sevilla before the end of the week.

Sportske Novotsi remarks that Los Nervionenses will pay €5 million compensation to secure the 22-year-old’s services, with Rakitic arriving in Andalucia tomorrow to sign the necessary documentation and to also attend the Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Madrid.

The Swiss-born star previously spoke of his desire to test his abilities in La Liga, and with Sevilla coach Gregorio Manzano desperate to strengthen in the middle of the pitch, Rakitic looks likely to be his first signing since taking over at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan in September.

The Croatian international has been capped on 25 occasions, scoring eight goals, and will become the sixth player from his homeland to wear the red and white, following international luminaries such as Davor Suker and Robert Prosinecki.

Sevilla have also been linked with moves form Rosenborg’s Anthony Annan and Inter midfielder Sulley Muntari.