{{primary_category}}
{{/primary_category}} 
Mateo Retegui has been offered to European clubs for a summer transfer with Leeds United one of the English sides contacted, according to 90min.
The Italy international burst into the wider consciousness with two goals in his first two appearances for the Azzurri, including one on debut against England in the Three Lions’ 2-1 victory on 23 March.
Now the 23-year-old is gearing up for a move to European club football after impressing in Argentina for Tigre on loan from Boca Juniors.
According to 90min sources, a host of Italian, Spanish and German sides are weighing up a move, including the likes of Atletico Madrid, Sevilla, both Inter and AC Milan, and Europa League holders Eintracht Frankfurt.
But there is also extensive interest in England where the striker has been directly offered to teams including the Whites, Everton, Burnley, Brentford, Leicester and Crystal Palace.
Gazzetta dello Sport reported on 28 March that his value has “skyrocketed” up to as much as €20million [£17.5million] after his performances for Italy, with Boca and Tigre set to strike a deal for 50% of his rights each ahead of a summer auction.
Race
Both the Argentinian sides will be delighted that Roberto Mancini came calling for Retegui in the previous international break thanks to a lack of forward options in Italy.
The San Fernando-born goalscorer did the business with a goal in each game and is now the man of the moment out of nowhere across Europe, and set to net the two clubs a decent profit.
It might be difficult for Leeds to compete with the likes of Atletico and the Milan giants on a pure prestige basis, but the spending power of the Premier League simply cannot be overlooked in these situations.
Despite an abundance of auxiliary attacking options at Elland Road the central striking burden in the first team continues to rest on Patrick Bamford’s shoulders.
And £17.5million is very reasonable by goalscorer standards, so if the Whites like the look of Retegui after 30 goals in 53 games in a year and a half at Tigre it certainly looks like the door is now open if they’ve been offered his services.
A link-up with international teammate Willy Gnonto may be an attraction, but clearly Leeds United will need to move quickly and decisively because there looks to be no shortage of alternative options, and it may simply come down to the highest bidder wins.
In other Leeds United news, the club have already made the decision to splash plenty of cash on one man this summer.