The Premier League are set to meet with the Department of Transport during the next month as they attempt to thrash out an agreement that will ease the burden of train fares on football fans.

The discussions are aimed at seeing the Premier League work more closely with train companies when fixtures are rescheduled to ensure supporters are not forced to alter their tickets and pay over the odds.

The talks will be particularly targeted at events where fixtures are originally set, supporters purchase tickets in advance but are then obliged to pay fees to change their tickets when matches are rescheduled or altered for broadcasting.

Premier League chiefs are keen to ease the burden on football fans who travel by train

The Rail Minister Andrew Jones is keen to implement trials around Premier League fixtures at the start of the new season, while the Department for Transport are also keen to bring the EFL to the table later down the line.

The discussions will also including the British Transport Police and centre around improving security on matchday trains.

Premier League Executive Director William Bush said: ‘Both the Premier League and government are committed to working hard for a fairer, affordable, safer deal for football fans.’

Chelsea and Manchester United have ‘asked about Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic with his contract situation at the La Liga club unresolved’.

Rakitic dismissed rumours linking him with a move away from Barcelona and insisted he wants to open talks with the club about extending his contract last month.

The 30-year-old’s current contract runs until 2021 but the Catalan giants do not intend to discuss a new deal, according to Spanish publication Sport.

Chelsea and Manchester United have ‘asked about Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic’

Premier League sides Chelsea and United as well as Serie A outfits Juventus and Inter Milan and Bundesliga’s Bayern Munich have reportedly shown an interest in Rakitic. 

The Croatia international has made 34 appearances for Ernesto Valverde’s side this campaign, scoring four goals and providing six assists.

Rakitic’s future in Spain was thrown into doubt following the arrival of 21-year-old midfielder Frenkie de Jong for £65million from Ajax. 

The Croatia international has made 34 appearances for Ernesto Valverde’s side this campaign

But Rakitic said in January: ‘Since I’ve been here I do not know how many times I’ve left and I’m back.

‘I’m more than happy here and my intention is to be here longer. The other day I gave the president a little nudge to see if he would start my renewal.’

Rakitic’s agent Arturo Canales also ruled out an exit from Barcelona last week. 

Rakitic’s contract runs until 2021 but Barcelona reportedly do not intend to discuss a new deal