Leeds United have River Plate’s Lautaro Rivero on their agenda for the summer.
On March 20th, Sport Witness covered claims from Argentina of Brighton & Hove Albion’s interest in the defender. The source reported his agent made a trip to England to hold talks with the Seagulls.
It’s unclear whether the representative held talks with Leeds United or other clubs during his recent visit to the UK.
The centre-back returned to his parent club last summer, after a loan spell at Central Córdoba. He has been a regular since then and made 13 appearances so far this season.
His league stats this year are as follows:
Appearances: 11
Starts: 11
Total minutes: 970
Minutes per game: 88
Interceptions per game: 1.2
Tackles per game: 1.4
Ball recovered per game: 3.5
Clearances per game: 4.5
Duels won per game: 4.7
Leeds United make advances
The Whites are one of the Premier League sides closely following the 22-year-old. That’s according to El Intransigente, who cover the latest on the Elland Road club.
Leeds United have made a concrete approach to try and sign him and their keen interest has ‘shook’ River Plate’.
The Argentine club consider Lautaro Rivero to be a key member of their squad and their president, Stefano Di Carlo, has already acted.
Four days ago, the South American side confirmed that the Argentine has extended his contract until December 2029.
His renewal was a ‘strategic decision’ from the club to fend off suitors like Daniel Farke’s side, Brighton and other clubs.
River Plate ‘not only halts Leeds’ advance but also establishes a firm stance in the transfer market’.
The outlet adds the new contract includes a €100m release clause, making any potential transfer more expensive.
Contract, value and agent info
With a contract expiring in December 2029, Transfermarkt now value Lautaro Rivero at €7m.
Agency The Elegant Game are representing the Argentine defender. They are managing five players, including Chelsea star Enzo Fernández.
Leeds United and Rivero’s other suitors have to look elsewhere if they wish to strengthen their defence in the summer.