Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly tracking Barcelona’s Carles Alena, and could make a move for him in the January transfer window.
The 21-year-old has not had many opportunities at the Catalan club this season, which has led to interest from the North London side.
According to Spanish website Mundo Deportivo, Spurs are assessing the situation regarding Alena, who has made just one appearance in the league this season for Barcelona.
The report states that manager Mauricio Pochettino believes that Alena could be the direct replacement for Christian Eriksen, who is set to leave the North London club.
Pochettino has reportedly reached out to Alena previously, but could convince the young Spaniard to join him at Spurs.
Spanish club Real Betis are also reportedly interested in signing Alena. The midfielder has come through the ranks at Barcelona, having played in the junior teams of the Catalan club and then making his senior debut in 2016.
The youngster’s contract with Barcelona expires 2022, having signed a new deal last year.
Can Alena replace Eriksen at Tottenham?
Like most Barcelona midfielders, Alena is a terrific passer of the ball, who can dictate the tempo of play from midfield and create chances for his teammates. The Spaniard averaged 33.7 passes per game in La Liga last season, with a pass completion rate of 92.1%.
Alena is a central midfielder, but the 21-year-old can play further ahead as well, in an attacking midfield role. The Spanish U21 player has made 35 appearances for the Barcelona senior team, scoring three goals so far.
The Barcelona player is also a strong dribbler of the ball, who can cause havoc in the middle of the park with his runs and great close control.
He is a lot more mobile than Christian Eriksen from the middle of the park, but he will need to add goals to his game if he is to replace Eriksen in the team.
In a strong Barcelona team and in a less physical league than the Premier League, Alena has done well in the few appearances he has made. But, it would be too early to say if he can replace Eriksen in the Spurs team.