Highly-rated midfielder Ivan Rakitic has declined to extend his contract with Schalke, according to his agent
Young playmaker eyes deal elsewhere
Highly-rated midfielder Ivan Rakitic has declined to extend his contract with Bundesliga club Schalke, according to his agent.
The 22-year-old, who arrived at the German outfit from Basel three years ago, is out of contract next June and has been linked with a move away from the Veltins Arena, reportedly attracting the interest of several European clubs.
And Rakitic's agent, Max Urscheler, has revealed the young playmaker has turned down a new deal with Schalke as he prepares to make his exit.
"This morning I spoke with Ivan and we made the decision to not renew the contract due to expire next June," Urscheler told
calciomercato.com.
"We don't know where he will play in the future but for now I can rule out that he'll sign a new deal with Schalke.
"Yesterday I spoke with (coach Felix) Magath, who obviously wants Ivan at the club for many more years, but we don't want a renewal."
Interest
Urscheler claims the Croatia international has turned the heads of clubs throughout Europe, and says he is ready and waiting should Premier League giants Manchester United come knocking.
"There are many clubs interested, we'll see. I am open to all proposals," he added.
"If Manchester United call me, we are ready to hear from them.
"Also, Juventus may be an option but there are many other clubs interested in Ivan: Italian, English, Spanish and German ones.
"Ivan has no particular preferences, everything is possible."
