Besiktas have joined the race to land Liverpool and Chelsea target Ivan Rakitic.

The 26-year-old schemer is in high demand already this summer and Sevilla are bracing themselves for bids from across Europe.

As reported by talkSPORT on Tuesday, the club's director of football, Monchi, is adamant that Sevilla will be able to hold on to the Croatian, who is yet to sign a new deal.

But given the midfielder's current contract situation, and the number of clubs already circling, it could be a long summer for the La Liga club.

Liverpool and Chelsea are known admirers and both are expected to reinforce their squads having just missed out on Premier League glory last term.

But they look set to face competition from Besiktas to land the Croatian in time for next season.

According to Turkish newspaper Yeni Safak, the Istanbul-based club have identified Rakitic as a key transfer target and are lining up a move of their own.

Slaven Bilic's side finished third in the Turkish Super Lig last term, 12 points behind winners Fenerbahce, and reckon Rakitic's midfield influence could push them closer to the title next season.

Source: talkSPORT