Mourinho orders Tottenham escape route for £18m star shunned at Barca

Carles Alena, Ansu Fati Barcelona

Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho wants to bring versatile Barcelona midfielder Carles Alena to north London, according to a report.

Alena is one of the most promising talents to have emerged from Barcelona‘s La Masia academy of late. Indeed, he has recently returned to the Camp Nou after a loan spell at Real Betis.

However, the 22-year-old is yet to play a minute since Ronald Koeman took over at the club. That trend continued on Saturday, as Koeman’s side lost 3-1 to great rivals Real Madrid.

According to Don Balon, Mourinho has Alena in his sights as he looks to add to his midfield. What’s more, he had a keen eye on El Clasico to see if the Spaniard had a chance to make an impact.

The report claims that if Alena did not play in that match – as well as in the immediate matches that follow – then Mourinho could be assured that the player’s fortunes will not improve.

As such, given his latest snub by Koeman, Don Balon claims that Mourinho will order a raid for the midfielder.

The Portuguese boss will ask Levy to sanction a deal for the winter transfer window, meaning the manager could get his target sooner rather than later.

Indeed, Mourinho has reportedly noticed Alena’s versatility as a key trait. As well as playing in midfield, the 22-year-old can fill in on the right wing.

As for how much the deal would cost, Spurs must reportedly pay €18million (£16.3million).

There remains ‘disagreement’ at Barcelona over the player’s future, though. Some officials believe Alena should earn his chance, given he is a product of the club’s academy.

However, a transfer is ‘not ruled out’, with Tottenham showing serious interest.


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Spurs’ striker interest remains

Arkadiusz MIlik,TEAMtalk

Meanwhile, reports elsewhere claim that Spurs remain keen on Napoli striker Arkadiusz Milik.

The Poland international’s only games this season have come for his country and he has not featured at all for his club.

As such, he has reportedly ordered his agent to find him a new club in January, with Tottenham a potential destination.

Read more…