'Next few days' – Agent of Leeds-linked CB makes transfer claim after Phil Hay details interest

With Leeds United on the lookout for a centre-back this summer, one name that keeps cropping up is River Plate centre-back Lucas Martinez Quarta.

Trusted Leeds journalist Phil Hay confirmed that Leeds had been scouting Quarta with a deal for Ben White looking "difficult".

Argentinian outlet El Intransigente then reported that Leeds were the only side to show serious interest in the 24-year-old so far.

And they reported that River Plate had serious financial issues that could force them to sell, and at a much lower price than Quarta's £20m release clause.

Now, Quarta's agent, Gustavo Goni, has broken cover and said that he expects things to happen in the "next few days".

As quoted in TYCSports, Goni said, "I think that in the next few days the wheel will start to move and we will see where we are standing.

"[Quarta] is very happy at River Plate. They have made him what he is today but 24 is the perfect age for him to move abroad.

"Clubs are going to need to sell, not only because of the pandemic but because of the country's economic situation."

Goni mentioned interest from an English club but said he wouldn't name them at this point in time. The report claims that River Plate could take as little as £10.9m for the player.

One of the positions Leeds need to strengthen this summer is the heart of defence – regardless of whether Ben White comes back or not.

White's stand-in, Gaetano Berardi, suffered a serious injury at the tail-end of the season and won't play again for six months.

Man United centre-back Axel Tuanzebe is the latest centre-back to be linked but the Quarta links are ones that have us more excited.

Quarta is described as happy with the ball at his feet and his strength is his range of passing. WyScout records his pass success rate as 86.5% for the 19/20 season

He's been linked with a move to Man City and was described as a player who would be "perfect for Pep" – an accolade that would make him the ideal replacement for White at Leeds.

There will be plenty of bargains to be had this summer, with many clubs facing serious financial problems and, if he does go for around half of his release clause, Quarta could be one of the biggest.

In other Leeds United news, Bielsa has one big demand for signing new Leeds deal and it involves Ben White – report