Barcelona midfielder Carles Alena is close to joining Getafe.

Marca says Alena plans to leave Barcelona this January. The midfielder doesn't feel part of Ronald Koeman's plans at the Camp Nou, and he intends to leave in order to find more regular minutes so that his development isn't harmed.

The Dutch coach already told him at the beginning of the season that he wouldn't be a starter and that playing time would be hard to come by, but the youngster opted to stay and see if he could fight for a place in the team.

But it hasn't come to pass. Koeman has used a 4-2-3-1 for most of the season, and Alena doesn't fit into the system. As a result, he has hardly featured, although he has done well when he has been afforded the chance.

Getafe are currently frontrunners to sign him.