Barcelona have reportedly beaten off competition from Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid for the signature of Sevilla playmaker Ivan Rakitic, with the move being completed before the start of the World Cup.

The 26-year-old, who is likely to feature in Croatia's opening game against hosts Brazil on Thursday, earned rave reviews for his performances as Sevilla lifted the Europa League trophy last month and finished fifth in La Liga.

Now Goal.com claims that the Catalan giants have stolen a march on their Spanish rivals by finalising a £16.25m move for the 26-year-old, with Rakitic agreeing a five-year contract to move to the Camp Nou.

Earlier this week, Atletico had been thought to be favourites in the race to snap up the midfielder's services.