Manchester United have approached Barcelona for Ivan Rakitic.

Sport says United first opened talks with Barca three weeks ago for the Croatia international and are now ready to make an offer.

United have made it clear to Barca they're prepared to deliver a concrete bid for Rakitic.

And now the Premier League giants are waiting for encouragement from Barca to make an opening offer.

Rakitic is being seen at United as a potential replacement for wantaway star Paul Pogba.