体坛英语新闻：Barcelona renews deal of young starlet Rafinha

MADRID, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona on Thursday announced that the club has reached an agreement to assure the future of young striker " "Rafinha" Rafa Alcantara until the end of June, 2015.

The 18-year-old Rafinha is the younger brother of Barcelona's Spain under-21 international Thiago Alcantara and he currently plays in the second division with Barcelona's B-team, although he made his first team debut in last week's 1-0 win away to Hospitalet in the Copa del Rey.

The son of former Brazil international, Mazinho, Rafinha's performances this season had provoked rumors of interest from Real Madrid and English side, Chelsea and Barcelona have acted quickly to ensure that one of the most promising players from their youth system does not abandon the club.

Rafinha plays in deep lying striker role, he is fast, able to beat a defender in a one-on-one and has an excellent goal scoring record with six goals in 20 appearances for the B-team. He has also represented Spain at U-16, 17 and 19 levels.