Barcelona coach Ernesto Valderde is adamant Ivan Rakitic will stay after their defeat of Real Mallorca.

Rakitic made his third start in a row against Mallorca after forcing himself back into Valverde's plans.

"He's important, he brings us balance and he's doing well," the Barcelona boss said of the Croatian.

"He helps us a lot.

"I have no plans [for Rakitic] for the January transfer window because it hasn't opened.

"We're going game by game because it's about winning and being in form.

"We'll see what happens.

"He is performing to a high level, he's a great professional."