Manchester City fans haven't had much to cheer this season, with the Pep Guardiola era getting off to a stuttering start in the first half of the campaign.
But that might be about to change, with reports surfacing in Croatia that the Citizens are on the verge of completing a deal for Ivan Rakitic, who has tonight been left out of Barcelona's squad for their La Liga clash with Villareal.
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Pep Guardiola is apparently not convinced Yaya Toure is worth keeping beyond the end of this season, despite the Ivorian's upturn in form recently after being reintroduced to the starting XI. Also, Ilkay Gundogan's injury woes and Fernandinho's disciplinary problems may force the City manager into the market for Rakitic this month rather than the Summer.
The Croatian midfielder is apparently out of favour at the Camp Nou, despite an impressive first couple of seasons in Catalonia, making over 100 appearances for the 'Blaugrana', helping Luis Enrique's men to two La Liga titles, two Copa Del Reys and a Champions League.
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Now, the rumour mill has gone into overdrive due to the former Sevilla man's absence from Enrique's squad, tonight, with City believed to be at the front of the queue for the 28-year-old's signature.
Mundo Deportivo, however, are reporting that, despite receiving a number of offers, Rakitic is reluctant to leave Barca and will instead remain in Catalonia to fight for his place in the first team.
Despite Rakitic's reluctance to leave, City fans are still giddy with excitement at the prospect of the Champions League winning midfielder making his way to the Etihad Stadium:
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Would Rakitic be the man to reverse City's fortunes, though?
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Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Manchester City, Football, Barcelona, Ivan Rakitic
