Man Utd news: Jose Mourinho wants Barcelona ace Ivan Rakitic, Anthony Martial swap offered

JOSE MOURINHO is reportedly willing to offer Anthony Martial to Barcelona in exchange for Ivan Rakitic.

Ivan Rakitic shows brilliant close control

Martial, 21, has started just four games across all competitions for Manchester United this season and has impressed with five goals and six assists. 

But with game time set to be limited due his ongoing duel with Marcus Rashford, Spanish outlet Diario Gol claim Mourinho is open to offering the forward to Barcelona. 

It is said Mourinho had initially set his sights on Sergi Roberto. 

However, he has now turned his attentions towards veteran midfielder Rakitic and has proposed a swap deal with Martial heading to the Nou Camp. 

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is willing to offer Anthony Martial to Barcelona in exchange for Ivan Rakitic

The Portuguese boss is apparently a huge admirer of the Croatia international and is willing to take a huge financial loss on Martial in order to sign him. 

Martial was brought in from Monaco in a £36m deal in 2015, which could rise to £58m. 

But Diario Gol say Mourinho favours more experienced stars and believes Rakitic would be a good addition to his squad. 

Ivan Rakitic Anthony MartialGETTY

Manchester United are willing to offer Anthony Martial to Barcelona in exchange for Ivan Rakitic

Barcelona could accept the Red Devils’ offer as Martial could compliment their attacking trio Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Ousmane Dembele. 

And with the latter currently sidelined through injury, Martial could slot in nicely. 

Up next for Martial’s United is a Premier League clash with Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday (12:30pm). 

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