River Plate may be forced to sell Lucas Martinez Quarta this summer amid speculation surrounding an £11 million move to Leeds United, the defender’s agent has told TYC Sports programme Sportia.
While one of the most passionate fanbases in English football might spend every waking moment dreaming of Ben White growing old at Elland Road, there is a very real chance that their promotion-winning hero has played his final game in that iconic white shirt.
The classy centre-half spent the 2019/20 season on loan at Leeds.
But the chances of Brighton lending him to a direct Premier League rival next season look slim, while a potential £30 million-plus valuation appears to make a permanent move just as unlikely.
Therefore, Leeds have little choice but to scour the market for replacements with Argentina international Martinez Quarta emerging as the number one choice.
Jeunes Footeaux reported last week that Leeds are planning to test the water with an £11 million bid for the 2018 Copa Libertadores winner, who also has admirers at Italian giants Serie A.
But, while his destination remains uncertain, all the signs are pointing to Martinez Quarta sealing a big-money move to Europe over the next few weeks.
“I think that in the next few days the wheel will start to move and there we will see where we are standing,” says agent Gustavo Goni.
“He is very good at River, he is happy there. But there are opportunities that a footballer, like any worker, cannot miss. He is at an ideal age to start thinking about a move abroad and that makes us think about this chance.
“All the clubs are going to need to sell, not only because of the pandemic but because of the country’s economic situation.
“It is true that many European clubs will look for players in that (centre-half) position. Lucas is very appealing to the market.”
Goni adds that clubs in England, France and Italy have shown an interest in his highly-rated client, while confirming that a Real Betis side who recently hired Manuel Pellegrini as their new manager are among the suitors.
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