Barcelona signs Carles Alena to new 3-year contract

Barcelona awarded academy player Carles Alena with a new three-year contract to curtail speculation over a potential exit this summer.

The central midfielder, who will officially sign the new deal in the coming days and weeks, is expected to remain with Barca B to begin the 2017-18 season.

A statement on Barcelona's website indicates that another two years will be added to the agreement if he eventually gets a call-up to the first team. Promotion to the senior squad will also see the release clause in his contract rise to €75 million.

The 19-year-old was linked with various transfers to the Premier League, with Tottenham and Everton believed to be the most interested in procuring his services this summer.

Alena - who helped Barca B win promotion to the second division last term - managed to find the back of the net during his first-team debut under former manager Luis Enrique last season in the Copa del Rey against Hercules.