Liverpool have been linked with a move for River Plate youngster Franco Mastantuono in the last few days.
While those rumours have come from the UK, there is now some confirmation arriving from the Argentine media about the 17-year-old, who has 40 appearances and three goals for River in his young career.
Mastantuono has played less than 1000 minutes in the Argentine top flight this season and is still looking to establish himself as a regular in the first team.
TYC Sports looked at Liverpool’s liking for the player yesterday. They cited the British media’s information that the Reds are looking to pay the teenager’s $45m release clause, but the outlet confirms that the clause will rise to $50m in the final few weeks of the transfer window.
They report that the ‘truth is that’ River are counting on the young midfielder for next year and wouldn’t want him to depart.
There is a sense of peace at the Argentine club about Mastantuono’s future, especially considering how the player can’t join a European club till he turns 18.
SoyDelMillo have also looked at the starlet and reveal that his entourage are not interested in an exit in January.
Their plan is to make sure that the player establishes himself as a regular River before seeking an exit.
Even if Liverpool do end up signing the teenager, they will not be able to play him till he is 18.
