Tottenham Hotspur want to sign Carles Alena in January?

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly identified Barcelona youngster Carles Alena as a potential replacement for Christian Eriksen over the January transfer window.

Eriksen, whose contract expires at the end of this season, could depart in January amid interest from Real Madrid and Juventus.

Alena, meanwhile, has grown frustrated at a lack of playing time at Camp Nou, making just one appearance in La Liga so far this term.

According to the Daily Mail, Mauricio Pochettino has been alerted to Alena's situation and will move to sign the Spaniard if Eriksen does leave in the upcoming window.

Alena, who came through Barcelona's famous La Masia academy, made his debut for the Catalans in 2016, but his development has been stifled by the signing of Frenkie De Jong from Ajax over the summer.

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde recognises the need to address a bloated midfield in January and will reportedly be open to dispensing with both Ivan Rakitic and Arturo Vidal once the window opens.