Leeds United will negotiate a lower fee for River Plate defender Lucas Martinez Quarta, with El Intransigente reporting that the Championship winners are unlikely to trigger his £22.5 million release clause.
Just because the West Yorkshire giants have sealed their long-awaited return to the big time after 16 years toiling in the lower leagues, do not make the mistake in assuming that Andrea Radrizzani will splash the cash like Augustus Gloop in Cadbury World.
Leeds are expected to target quality over quantity, hoping to avoid the kind of disastrous summer splurges that cost Fulham and potentially Aston Villa their place in the top flight.
While River Plate will be powerless to prevent Martinez Quarta’s departure if one of his many suitors trigger that £22.5 million clause, Leeds are not going to fork out the cash that easily.
Reports in South America claim that the 2018 Copa Libertadores winner is likely to find himself at the centre of a transfer saga.
Leeds, it seems, are looking to barter a bargain fee for a classy and commanding defender who looks every inch Ben White’s replacement at Elland Road.
There is a real chance that Leeds could simply be outbid, however.
El Intransigente adds that Martinez Quarta also has interest from not only Fiorentina and Valencia but also Antonio Conte’s Inter Milan.
The 24-year-old, who admitted to TYC over the weekend that he plans to play in Europa at some point, could potentially replace the legendary Uruguayan Diego Godin at the San Siro.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
