Club could accept £10m initial fee for centre-back with Leeds in talks over deal – report
Leeds United are continuing their efforts to sign a centre-back this summer by holding talks with River Plate about a deal for Lucas Martinez Quarta, according to the Daily Star.
The newspaper claims that Leeds believe the centre-back, 24, could be up for grabs for less than his £18million release clause due to River’s poor financial situation.
It is understood that River could accept a £10million initial fee for Quarta. However, the Star adds that would only be accepted if “if most of the difference can be made up in extras”.
River are not exactly in the position to be playing hardball over Quarta’s fee.
The Argentina international is in the final year of his contract at El Monumental so trying to demand his full release clause is a risky strategy when the Buenos Aires club is under pressure to raise funds.
Leeds will no doubt be willing to wait and see if River’s stance changes because there is no way that they meet River’s demands.
If the Whites can get him for £10million and nothing more then this deal could be a goer but if they want £8million in bonuses, River can forget it.
Leeds need a new centre-back this summer.
It remains to be seen if Ben White returns to Elland Road but amid reports of there being two bids rejected by Brighton, the chances of that happening appear low.
Then there is Gaetano Berardi’s ACL injury and potential nine-month lay-off that need to be considered too.
River seem more desperate to sell Quarta than Leeds are to sign him, which does stand them in good stead in these talks.
In other Leeds United news, Bielsa has his eyes on this Austrian 24-year-old.