ATLETICO MADRID are preparing to step up their chase of Ivan Rakitic amid rival competition from Manchester United.

Reports in Spain outline a step-up in talks between the Barcelona midfielder and Los Colchoneros ahead of a potential summer transfer.

Under contract at the Camp Nou until the end of next season, Rakitic is said to be considering a move to Atleti after they failed with bids to sign him in 2011 and 2014.

MARCA report that Rakitic's representatives have been in negotiations with Diego Simeone's side since the back end of last year.

With a hefty contract required to bring the Croatian to Madrid, Atletico are thought to be ready to meet his demands.

Primarily in their favour is the sense that Rakitic wants to remain in Spain having enjoyed great success with Sevilla and Barcelona.

That would put United at a disadvantage with Atleti not expecting to pay a huge fee for the 31-year-old as his current team will have no other opportunity to cash in on this asset.

Rakitic's family are also reportedly scouting out potential homes to move into across the Spanish capital with wife Raquel said to not favour a move away.

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