Newcastle United are reportedly plotting a shock swoop to sign Carles Alena from Barcelona in the summer.
According to a report in The Sun, Carles Alena has emerged as a shock target for Newcastle United. The newly-promoted Premier League club are set to make a move for the Barcelona midfielder in the summer transfer window.
Alena is yet another promising talent that has graduated from Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy, having joined the youth setup at the age of seven. Ever present in midfield for Barcelona B, the teenager also made his debut for the senior side in 2016/17.
The 19-year-old made four appearances for the first-team in La Liga and Copa del Rey, while also finding the back of the net on one occasion. Alena also captains the Spain under-19 side, and has been projected to have a promising future for both club and country.
Reports | The Sun
Newcastle United is interested in Carles Aleña (19). Rafa Benitez has sent scouts to watch Alena play. pic.twitter.com/3wQxsUpEwP
— FC Barcelona (@FCBdaily) May 28, 2017
However, the player has just one year remaining on his current deal with Barcelona and it is believed that he is eager to play regular first-team football – something that he is unlikely to get at Camp Nou, yet.
Consequently, a summer move is being speculated, with several clubs reportedly eyeing a deal for Alena. The latest in his line of suitors are Newcastle United and Arsenal, both of whom are set to battle each other to secure his services in the summer.
Newcastle United secured promotion back to the Premier League this season, and manager Rafa Benitez is eager to see his side be more than just relegation fodders. Hence, he is keen to make some big improvements to the squad that he has at his disposal.
Central midfield is reportedly a priority for the Newcastle boss, and having already signed Christian Atsu on a permanent deal, he has now turned his attention towards Alena. The Toon have had the player observed in action for Barcelona B on several occasions over the course of the season, and are now set to pursue a deal for him.
The report suggests that Newcastle will be pursuing a deal that would see him move to St. James’ Park either on a season-long loan or on a permanent basis. Should Alena join the club on a permanent deal, Barcelona are likely to insert a buy-back clause in his contract as they have done with several other players.
It now remains to be seen if the newly-promoted Premier League outfit are able to secure the services of Alena in what will be a big statement of their intentions ahead of the 2017/18 season.
