Barca teen to extend contract

Barcelona midfielder Rafael Alcantara is close to signing a contract extension with the Camp Nou club.

The 18-year-old, who recently made his official first-team debut, has a contract until the end of the 2011-12 campaign, but the Catalan side are keen to tie the promising youngster to a long-term deal.

“Things are looking good, very good. Both parties are pretty close to reaching an agreement. We are very happy to be at this club and want to stay here,” he told EFE.

“Making your first-team debut is a dream come true for every player from the youth academy. It was extremely special for me to be part of the best team in the world.”

“You never know what will happen in the future, but I’d love to become an important first-team member at Barcelona.”

Rafael Alcantara, who is also known as ‘Rafinha’ and is the brother of current Barcelona star Thiago, is considered to be one of the most exciting young players in Europe. He has already represented Spain at under-19 level, but also holds Brazilian nationality.