Villarreal president Fernando Roig has declared his interest in Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic, saying 'I like him a lot as a footballer' and hinting at a space for him in the squad.
Rakitic's current deal at the Nou Camp is due to expire in 2021 and, with the increasing need to reduce the wage bill following the £108million arrival of Antoine Griezmann, he could be shown the door.
The Croatian has been repeatedly linked with a move away, with Juventus, Inter Milan, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain all in the picture, but it is believed the 32-year-old will most likely stay in Spain.