Lucas Martinez Quarta’s agent talks up move amid reported Leeds interest

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Lucas Martinez Quarta’s agent Gustavo Goni has told Argentine outlet TYC Sports that he believes his client will leave River Plate this summer and expects things to happen in the “next few days” – amid reported Leeds interest.

Quarta, 24, is already an Argentina international and is just four outings shy of a century for River Plate. He has entered the final 12 months of his contract at River, and is being linked with plenty of European clubs.

Italian outlet CalcioMercato claim Leeds and Inter Milan are interested in signing Quarta, while Spanish club Real Betis have also been linked. It is believed that clubs would need to spend between £11million and £13.5million.

That is, despite Quarta having a release clause worth £22million. Speaking to TYC, Goni stated that he expects Quarta to leave River this summer and something to begin on his future in the “next few days”.

“There is no formal offer,” Goni said. “I think that in the next few days the wheel will start to move and there we will see where we are standing. He is at an ideal age for thinking about a move abroad.

“Of the clubs that are spoken, anyone is seductive. Betis is the first in Spain, as well as in Italy, England and France. It is true that many European clubs will look for players in that position. Lucas is very appealing to the market.”

TBR’s view – Quarta is a bargain at just £11m

Marcelo Bielsa’s knowledge of football knows no bounds, but if he specialises in one area, it is likely to be the one place that he developed his El Loco reputation – his home country of Argentina.

Quarta is renowned as one of the country’s best defenders, yet to move to Europe. To have broken into the Argentina side without moving to Europe is quite a feat. Excellent on the ball, but tough in the tackle, he is ideal.

Especially if a deal for Ben White fails to occur. Goni’s comments will come as very encouraging, and Bielsa as manager will prove tempting for Quarta. But the lure of Inter of Betis is likely to be difficult to beat for Leeds.