Man United plotting move for £34m rated 18-year-old
7 August 2016 - FA Community Shield 2016 - Leicester City v Manchester United - Jose Mourinho manager of Manchester United brushes Champagne from his suit - Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.
Man United manager Jose Mourinho is eyeing a move for Barcelona starlet Carles Alena as he looks to continue his Old Trafford overhaul, according to reports from The Sun.
The former Chelsea boss is supposedly a long term admirer of the 18-year-old midfielder, who was named on the bench for the Spanish champions against Malaga.
A graduate of the famed La Masia graduate, the Spain U19 captain has been compared to Nou Camp legend Andres Iniesta, one of the star La Masia alumni.
The youngster, whose current deal comes to an end at the end of the season, is rumoured to be in talks with the Catalan giants over a new contract, which would include a whopping £34m release clause, meaning that Mourinho must strike quickly if he is to turn Alena’s head.
Having splashed a world record fee for France international Paul Pogba in the summer, the former Real Madrid boss will be desperate to find the perfect midfield partner for his star man and could see the Barca man as a candidate for that role.