Leeds United are prepared to pay £10 million for New York City FC star Valentin Castellanos but the MLS hitman could turn down the Premier League in favour of River Plate, as reported by La Pagina.
The reigning Argentinian champions have nearly £20 million burning a hole in their back pockets and a talisman that needs replacing.
Julian Alvarez’s January move to Manchester City means Marcelo Gallardo’s side will have to defend their title without a man who contributed 24 goals and 15 assists to the cause last term.
No pressure, then. Fortunately, Castellanos is unlikely to be daunted by the task at hand.
Castellanos scored 23 goals of his own during the 2020 season, firing New York City to MLS Cup glory. A creator of chances as well as a taker of them, if the Argentina U23 international can emulate his current form south of the border, then there’s no reason to believe that River cannot bounce back stronger following Alvarez’s departure.
Joining one of the biggest clubs in South American football certainly appeals to Castellanos.
So much so that, according to La Pagina, River Plate remains his ‘priority’ despite interest from Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United.
Can Leeds United get Valentin Castellanos to change his mind?
The report adds that Leeds are willing to pay £10 million for Castellanos.
The 23-year-old, who’s been labelled a ‘quality player’ by none other than Pep Guardiola and has been compared to Didier Drogba, feels like a welcome for a Leeds side who have struggled for goals and a presence in attack during the injury-enforced absence of Patrick Bamford.
“I define myself as a player who never fails to give up a lost ball,” explains Castellanos. Comments that will warm the cockles of one Marcelo Bielsa.
“I am very strong in the air. My references are (Erling Braut) Halland and (Robert) Lewandowski.
“Obviously, moving to Europe (would help my chances of earning a place in the senior Argentinian team). But being at a great club like River, with Gallardo, would be a good thing.”
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