According to reports from the UK, Manchester United have been linked with a move for Barcelona youngster Carles Aleñá.
 

The 18-year-old is being called the “New Iniesta” in Catalunya and latest reports suggest Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho is about to make a move to try to lure him to Old Trafford. The player was actually on the bench for the blaugrana’s disappointing 0-0 draw at the Camp Nou on Saturday but with coach Luis Enrique’s backing, it seems likely that he will be the latest star to come from the famous Masia academy.
 

Barcelona wants to offer the youngster, who is the captain of the Spanish Under-19 side, a new deal at the club inserting a buy-out clause of around £43 million; which would not be a problem for the Premier League side. Aleñá would not be the first Barcelona player to be lured away from Spain to the Premier League, with Hector Bellerin, Gerard Pique and Cesc Fabregas all having gone down this path.  

United will hope that the competition for places at the Camp Nou may work to their advantage and that Aleñá decides the best option to gain first-team experience is to move to pastures new.


Steve Mitchell @barafundler