Barcelona academy star Carles Alena is on Manchester United's transfer radar, according to a report.

The Spain Under-19s captain is rated among the Catalan club's finest midfield youth products, leading to suggestions that he could be the player to take over from Andres Iniesta in the first-team ranks.

Now aged 18, Alena is said to be in talks with Barca over a new four-year deal that will include a £34m release clause, but The Sun claims that the Red Devils are ready to pounce before terms are agreed.

It is claimed that United are hoping the La Masia sensation goes down the same route as Hector Bellerin, Gerard Pique and Cesc Fabregas - among others - in swapping Barcelona's famed academy for the promise of more frequent football in the Premier League.

Alena, a regular for Barcelona B in the third tier of Spanish football this season, is out of contract at Camp Nou next summer.