Leicester City transfer target Valentin Gomez has admitted he wants to continue his career in Europe in a boost to the club’s January pursuit.
Reports emerged on Sunday of interest in the 21-year-old centre-back, who is one of the best up-and-coming defenders in Argentina. He has been a rock at the heart of the Velez Sarsfield back-line as they won the league title this month, with the club also finishing runners-up in the Copa Argentina and the Copa de la Liga.
Such performances have garnered interest from the biggest clubs in Argentina, such as River Plate, but it seems Gomez has his sights set further afield. He is looking for a switch to Europe.
The season concluded in Argentina this weekend as Velez Sarsfield lost 3-0 to Estudiantes in the supercup. Asked about his future after the game, Gomez told TyC Sports: “First I'm going to go on vacation, I think I deserve it. I played a lot of games during the year.
“Then I'll see what decision I make for my future. The reality is that I'd like to continue growing in European football and see if that's a possibility, if any club is willing to come and get me.”
As well as City, Italian side Lazio are said to be keen and can perhaps offer better prospects, with the club currently fourth in Serie A. But the lure of the Premier League is strong.
Although he’s only 21, Gomez has already played more than 100 senior matches for Velez Sarsfield, captaining them on occasion, while also representing his country at under-20 level.
Gomez’s defensive abilities saw Velez concede just 16 goals in 27 league games this season. On the ball, he is renowned for carrying it out from the back with confidence. Plus, he's left-footed which gives Ruud van Nistelrooy to his four current options.
While the manager has previously suggested he is more than content with Conor Coady, Jannik Vestergaard, Wout Faes, and Caleb Okoli as his four centre-backs, the club's defensive woes suggest January business is required. They have the fewest clean sheets in the Premier League, while only Wolves have conceded more goals.
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