ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE, England -                                    Manchester United have reportedly reserved Barcelona ace Ivan Rakitic as a possible replacement for Real Madrid-linked midfielder Paul Pogba.

The Red Devils are bracing themselves for an offer from Madrid for top target Pogba, who has talked up a move to the Bernabeu in recent weeks.

Pogba remains a United player for now, but Sport suggests that plans are already in place to bring in a high-profile player to fill the void potentially left by the Frenchman.

Rakitic is valued at £45m by Barcelona and the Catalan club would supposedly welcome a bid as they are looking to reduce the size of their squad.

United are said to have already been in contact with the Spanish champions as, with just nine days to go until the transfer window closes, they will need to move quickly should Pogba depart.

#Sports Mole