Newcastle United considering summer move for Barcelona starlet Carles Alena

Premier League-bound Newcastle United are targeting a summer move for Barcelona starlet Carles Alena, according to reports (via Tribal Football).

The 19-year-old midfielder is making his way up through the youth ranks at the Nou Camp, and earned his senior debut for Luis Enrique’s side in November 2016, netting in their 1-1 draw with Hercules in the Copa del Rey.

Three further first team appearances have followed for the youngster, all three in La Liga, yet it doesn’t look like he’ll break into the starting eleven any time soon, such are Barca’s embarrassment of riches.

And it appears that Rafa Benitez’s Magpies are reportedly sizing up a move for the 19-year-old, as the former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss looks to bolster his squad ahead of their return to the Premier League.

The North East giants won automatic promotion from the Championship at the first time of asking after winning 29 of their 46 league games, finishing nine points clear of third place Reading, and piping Chris Hughton’s Brighton to the title on the final day.

Yet the Spaniard already appears to be planning for their top-flight return, and having already secured the permanent signing of winger Christian Atsu, they are now looking to land Spain Under-19 international Alena.

However, it is believed that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been keeping tabs on the 19-year-old for a while now and thus could rival Newcastle this summer, although it does appear, given that Benitez sent scouts to watch Alena, that they are serious about a move for him in the coming weeks and months.