Barcelona Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Darijo Srna and Ivan Rakitic

Darijo Srna has hinted he is ready to stay loyal to Shakhtar Donetsk, after Barcelona registered interest in the Croatia full-back.

The Blaugrana want to "bring in experienced cover" during the January transfer window, but the player has taken to social media to declare his allegiance to the Ukrainian Premier League side (h/t Goal). 

Srna "appeared destined" to be on his way to the Camp Nou, but he posted a photo of himself in club colours on Instagram, with the words: “Follow your heart. Shakhtar forever.”

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According to Mundo Deportivo (h/t Goal's Sacha Pisani), Shakhtar manager Paulo Fonseca confirmed Barca's desire to sign the 34-year-old club captain, saying: "I know of the interest. It is not for me to make this decision. We know the importance of Srna on our team and we also know of his importance to the club. [Srna] has spent many years with us. I sincerely hope he doesn't go."

The player has been at the club since 2003, and despite his age, his form has continued to be top class for the Miners.

Srna's attacking prowess makes him ideal for Barca manager Luis Enrique's system, but he would primarily be used from the bench, making a transfer to Spain less attractive.

Here is the defender in action:

In other news, Ivan Rakitic is prepared to snub interest from Manchester United, as manager Jose Mourinho attempts to lure the midfielder to Old Trafford.

According to Mundo Deportivo (h/t The Sun's Sam Street), the Croatia international has told his representatives to refuse any offer made to them by any club.

Street wrote:

"Rakitic has faced increased competition at Barca this season in the shape of young talents Denis Suarez and Andre Gomes. Although neither has lived up to expectations so far, which may be the reason the 28-year-old still has the confidence to fight his way back into Luis Enrique’s plans."

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The player has continued to feature for his team, playing 17 matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League this term, per WhoScored.com.

Barca will need Rakitic's knowledge and maturity in the second half of the season, and he is grounded in the Spanish game.

Losing the midfielder would be a huge blow to Enrique, who would struggle to replace his skill set in the short term.

United are desperate to find world-record signing Paul Pogba an experienced partner in the centre of the pitch, and Rakitic has the all-round game to complement Pogba's attacking preference.