Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez is ready to move for Barcelona whizkid Carles Alena.

The Sun says Benitez sent his top scout to watch the attacking midfielder play for Barca's B team — and he is looking into a buy or season-long loan.

Alena, 19, has played a few games for the seniors but realistically will not figure much in the near future. So Benitez is keen to snap up the youth international and give him a better chance of action with the Toon in the Prem.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is also a long-time fan of the teen and unlikely to give Toon a free run at the youngster.