Manchester United transfer news: Jose Mourinho to poach top Barcelona talent Carles Alena, dubbed the ‘new Andres Iniesta’
La Masia sensation is negotiating lucrative new Nou Camp deal... but United boss hopes to tempt midfielder to England
MANCHESTER UNITED are ready to swoop for Barcelona gem Carles Alena.
The 18-year-old central midfielder is the highest-rated talent in the Catalan club’s vaunted La Masia academy.
Dubbed the ‘New Iniesta’, Alena is currently in discussions with Barca over a lucrative four-year-deal – which would include a £34million buyout clause.
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But Jose Mourinho has long been aware of the starlet and will try to tempt him to Old Trafford for just a fraction of that price.
The likes of Hector Bellerin, Gerard Pique and Cesc Fabragas have all left the La Liga giants for English sides as teenagers in recent years.
And Mourinho hopes Alena will do the same when his current contract expires at the end of the season.
The Spain Under-19s captain has been a regular for Barcelona B in the Spanish third tier this season.
But boss Luis Enrique named him on the bench for Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Malaga when Lionel Messi was taken ill.
He is expected to feature in next week’s Copa del Rey clash with Hercules, with United scouts likely to be in attendance again.