Leeds only team serious about centre-back, club plans to sell to pay off 7-figure debt – report
River Plate are planning to sell Leeds United target Lucas Martinez Quarta to help pay off £7.8million worth of debt, according to El Intransigente.
The Argentinean news outlet claims that River Plate plan to offload Quarta, 24, by promoting the player in foreign media in order to increase the chances of an offer being tabled soon. Quarta’s recently had interviews with Spanish and Italian outlets in order to get his name out there in European football.
However it is understood that Leeds are the only team to show serious interest in the Argentina international, with the Whites’ promotion to the Premier League further ramping up their pursuit of the centre-back.
Quarta’s release clause is said to be worth £20million, which will more than cover the debt that River must pay.
El Intransigente says that FIFA could become involved in River’s financial affairs and that could force them to be docked points, being hit with a transfer ban or being locked out of playing in international competitions.
Leeds have been linked with a lot of Argentinean players since their promotion to the Premier League was confirmed but there has been links between the Whites and Quarta for some time now, which suggests there could be something there.
However this latest update about River Plate needing to pay off debts in order to avoid a points deduction and the fact that the Buenos Aires club is actively trying to promote their player, suggests that Leeds could be getting used to simply get the defender’s name out there.
From now on, we’ll be taking any update on Leeds and Quarta with a pinch of salt until there is a concrete claim made in the English media.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are eyeing this £22.7million-rated striker.