Manchester City Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Julian Weigl and Ivan Rakitic

Borussia Dortmund are readying themselves for the departure of star midfielder Julian Weigl, with Manchester City said to be pressing ahead with their interest in the player.

That's according to Mundo Deportivo (h/t Sport Witness), where it's suggested that as well as the Premier League giants, Barcelona and Real Madrid are interested in the 21-year-old. It's noted that Dortmund will be "forced to say goodbye" to Weigl given the status of the clubs pursuing him.

The holding midfielder has made rapid progress at Westfalenstadion under BVB head coach Thomas Tuchel, establishing himself as a key man in the team. Here is a look at why interest in him is warranted:

Weigl has all the traits needed to thrive at the hub of a team. Physically, he offers a tremendous presence, is able to win headers, shield possession and bustle opponents off the ball. But there's so much more to Germany international's game than his defensive robustness.

In a team that build attacks with variety and incision, Weigl needs to be effective in the way he recycles possession. These numbers from Squawka Football show that's an area in which the youngster has excelled this term:

For City boss Pep Guardiola, Weigl would be a perfect acquisition. Not only is he a fine player with a high ceiling for future development, but the German has so many stylistic qualities that would improve the Catalan's side. In terms of destructive midfielders, the City boss does not have a dynamic, youthful option to offer competition for Fernandinho.

As noted in the report, it would be a big surprise if Weigl did move anytime soon. Not only is he part of an exciting young side, but the midfielder only signed a new long-term contract with Dortmund in December.

Ivan Rakitic Wants Barcelona Stay

Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images

According to Ben Hayward of Goal, Barcelona are hopeful Ivan Rakitic will agree an extension with the club despite interest from Manchester City.

Hayward reported that "sources in Barcelona say there is no bid from City, even though [Guardiola] is an admirer of Rakitic." It's also noted that speculation over a falling-out between the player and his manager, Luis Enrique, "was probably exaggerated."

On Thursday, the player reiterated his desire to stay at the Camp Nou. "I want to sit down with the club because I want to renew my contract and stay here for many years," he said, per Samuel Marsden of ESPN FC.

LLUIS GENE/Getty Images

Having joined the club from Sevilla in 2014, Rakitic was the heartbeat behind a memorable treble in his debut season and a league-and-cup double in his second campaign. However, his start in the 4-0 win over Eibar on Sunday was his first in La Liga since the match against Real Madrid on December 3.

Per Squawka's Muhammad Butt, it was clear during that contest that the 28-year-old was desperate to make an impact:

At his best, Rakitic brings energy, aggression and tremendous quality to this Barcelona team. Even so, with the talent available to Luis Enrique in midfield, perhaps it's little surprise the manager has opted to rotate more frequently this term.

Rakitic would be a fine signing for City and a player who would cope with the frantic nature of English football. The player seems set on re-establishing himself as an indispensable part of the Barcelona machine, though.