‘Could be sold to Leeds’ – Move to Elland Road being lined up for when season ends

Leeds United and River Plate are the two clubs to have shown interest in New York City FC star Valentín Castellanos.

On February 16th, La Página Millonaria reported River Plate, who saw their initial offer rejected by the City Football Group [owners of New York City FC], made an improved proposal.

It was also stated the Whites are willing to offer $14m [€12.3m] to get Castellanos to the Elland Road in the summer.

River Plate manager Marcelo Gallardo had asked his club to sign the forward. Having already made a new offer, TN Deportivo claim a ‘final meeting’ was scheduled yesterday at the club’s offices, to sort out the transfer.

Their latest offer included a deal worth $12m, with payment of $5m to be made up front and the remaining fee to be paid in instalments in the next two years. Gallardo’s side also had an ‘economic agreement’ in place with the Argentine, who was keen on joining them.

However, the latest economic efforts made by the South American club ‘was not enough’ for the City Football Group.

The economic difference is ‘insurmountable’ between the two sides and therefore, the player will continue at New York City FC. A source close to River Plate told TN Deportivo the deal to take him to River Plate is “99 percent down”.

Castellanos’ future could now be in the Premier League, where Marcelo Bielsa’s side are named as a suitor.

With the Whites willing to pay in excess of €12m to get his signing done, TN Deportivo state Castellanos ‘could be sold to Leeds’, with a move to Europe now building for the end of the season.