Newcastle United are reportedly keen on Barcelona youngster Carles Alena.
Barcelona’s Carles Alena and Sergi Samper celebrate
According to The Sun, Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez is keen to raid Barcelona in order to sign teenage midfielder Carles Alena this summer.
The Magpies will be in the market for a host of new signings having won promotion back to the Premier League, with Benitez already tying up his first signing of the summer, hand a permanent deal to loan winger Christian Atsu.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez
Newcastle should still look for more new signings this summer, and central midfield could be an area for Benitez to strengthen, with the Spaniard seemingly looking to raid Barcelona for reinforcements.
The Sun report that Benitez is interested in landing Barcelona youngster Carles Alena, having had the midfielder scouted this season ahead of a possible summer move.
General view inside St. James’ Park
Alena, 19, was born in Catalunya and has come up through the ranks with Barca having joined the club at the age of just seven, making his way through their famed La Masia academy.
The Spain under-19 international hit four goals in 38 games for Barcelona B before stepping up into the first team, notching one goal in four appearances under Luis Enrique.
Barcelona’s Andres Iniesta
Now though, Newcastle are believed to be pursuing a deal that would see Alena either join the club on loan, or permanently whilst giving Barcelona a buy-back clause, much like they have with Everton winger Gerard Deulofeu.
In November 2016, The Mirror not only suggested that Alena is the ‘next Andres Iniesta’ due to his superb technical ability, but also claimed that Manchester United were pursuing his signature, meaning Newcastle could face a real battle to land Benitez’s man this summer.
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