Tottenham Hotspur continue to be linked with Boca Juniors star Wilmar Barrios.
According to Argentinian sports newspaper Ole, Boca Juniors fear Wilmar Barrios’ $15million (£12million) release clause will be activated during the summer transfer window.
Barrios, 24, emerged in his native Colombia with Deportes Tolima, and after more than 100 appearances there, he moved on to Boca Juniors in 2016.
Since making the move to Argentina, Barrios has continued to impress, becoming a key player in the heart of the Boca midfield whilst also earning 10 caps for Colombia at international level.
Barrios is set to feature for Colombia at this summer’s World Cup, and Boca Juniors have major fears about the midfielder’s upcoming time in Russia.
Argentinian sports newspaper Ole report that Boca have been desperately attempting to get Barrios to sign a new contract with an increased release clause, as they fear a team will activate his current release clause.
Barrios’ current release clause stands at just $15million (£12million), but Boca want him to sign a new deal with a $20million (£15million) release clause, and with the tournament approaching, no agreement is in sight.
The report notes that Tottenham Hotspur are keen to land Barrios as boss Mauricio Pochettino looks to bring in another combative midfielder, with Spanish side Real Betis also interested.
At just £12million, Spurs will be hoping that Barrios doesn’t sign the new deal with Boca, and the Argentinian side will be fearing that their star midfielder won’t return to Buenos Aires once he heads to Russia this summer.
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