AC Milan are reportedly preparing a January move for Barcelona midfielder Carles Alena.

The former Spain Under-21 international has not featured for the Catalan giants since the opening weekend of the campaign and is widely expected to leave the club on loan at the start of 2020.

Tottenham Hotspur have been credited with an interest in the midfielder, but according to Calciomercato, Milan are weighing up an approach in the winter window.

The 21-year-old featured on 27 occasions for the Spanish champions last season but is down the pecking order under Ernesto Valverde this term.

Barca are believed to be against Alena leaving on a permanent deal, but the club feel that a short-term switch would benefit him in the long run.

La Liga clubs in the shape of Real Betis, Getafe, Celta Vigo and Granada are also said to be interested in taking the Spaniard until the end of the campaign.