Barcelona are reportedly stepping up their efforts to ensure talented youngster Carles Alena signs a new contract amid interest from Manchester City.
The 18-year-old is just the latest product of the famed La Masia academy and has been tipped for a bright future at the club.
However, there is concern at Barca as his current contract only has 18 months remaining and according to The Mirror, Pep Guardiola has been monitoring the situation with a view of making a move for Alena.
It looks as though he could well be left disappointed though, as the Catalan giants are keen to avoid a repeat scenario of losing the likes of Hector Bellerin and Cesc Fabregas to English clubs only to see them flourish and develop into top players.
In turn, it’s claimed in the report that Barcelona are ready to offer Alena a new long-term contract in order to ensure he commits his future to the club and simultaneously fend off any interest that City might have in making a move for him.
Further details have also been released which suggest that the La Liga champions are ready to put a six-year deal on the table which would result in a salary increase when he eventually becomes a regular part of Luis Enrique’s senior squad.
Alena has made 12 appearances for Barcelona B so far this season, contributing a goal and three assists aside from being an influential part of their success.
With Guardiola targeting younger talented players to mould his own City squad for years to come, Alena certainly fits the bill. However, the Spaniard may be left disappointed as Barcelona rate the young star highly and will be desperate for contract talks to go smoothly.