Tottenham in pole positon to land La Liga midfielder at bargain price – report
By Derek Smithson
Tottenham are the best placed side to secure a deal for Barcelona midfielder Carles Alena, according to a report.
Spanish outlet AS claim that Spurs are in pole position to sign the 19-year-old this summer and will be able to get him at a bargain price.
It is understood that the teenager has a release clause of just £2.6million until 1 July, but that will rise to £10.5million when he enters the final year of his contract at the Camp Nou which expires in 2018.
The report details that several clubs are interested in the Spain Under-19 international, but Mauricio Pochettino’s side are believed to be in the best position and could snap him up on the cheap if they move before the end of June.
Alena is a highly rated talented at Barcelona and is a product of their prestigious academy.
The left footed central midfielder is of the typical Barcelona mould and is extremely confident in possession, while also having an eye for goal.
He was promoted to the first team last season and given his first major opportunities to impress for the Spanish heavyweights.
Alena made his senior debut in a Copa Del Rey match and managed to get himself on the scoresheet in a 1-1 draw.
The youngster was then frequently involved in the La Liga match day squad and was rewarded with three league appearances.
Football Insider verdict:
Spurs should certainly press ahead and wrap up a £2.6million deal for central midfielder Alena. The 19-year-old has been schooled at the Barcelona academy and is a highly rated player at the club, but they have left a costly mistake in his contract. He would be able to go straight into the Spurs squad for next season and add some much needed flair. They already have the combative players in Victor Wanyama, Eric Dier and Mousa Dembele, but Alena could provide a could blend alongside another youngster Harry Winks. Spurs are assembling a formidable squad under Pochettino and they should definitely make the relatively risk-free signing of Alena, who has unbelievable potential.
In other Tottenham transfer news, the club’s supporters have urged them to sign a 21-year-old international striker.
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