Rafa Benitez is locked in a battle with European rivals Inter Milan for the signature of teenage sensation Ivan Rakitic, with a host of Serie A and La Liga clubs also in the hunt for the impressive midfielder who moved to Schalke from FC Basel last summer.

“There has been contact with somebody and of course it is interesting, Inter are a big club you just can’t say no to.” said the 19-year-old (pictured in Bundesliga action).

“The decision lies with Schalke and we’ll have to see what develops, but at the moment I am fully focused on doing well where I am.” he added.

Check out his goal against Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.