Leeds United have launched a "shock" approach to sign River Plate defender Lautaro Rivero, with their Premier League status almost secure after Saturday's win over Wolves.
Leeds launch approach to sign Rivero
Leeds can breathe easy ahead of the summer transfer window. Their relegation concerns are all but over courtesy of two victories in the space of six days.
Barring a dramatic collapse, the Yorkshire club will be in the Premier League next season.
James Justin celebrates scoring opening goal for Leeds
It's now all about progressing from survival to becoming a permanent fixture in the top flight and that will require some hefty investment from the 49ers.
The American owners already backed Daniel Farke last summer and, if recent reports are anything to go by, they're planning to do so once again 12 months later.
The 49ers spent £98m on reinforcements for Leeds last summer
Anton Stach, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor all arrived
Leeds welcomed 10 new faces in total
How Leeds follow last summer's revamp is the big question. Whilst names like Leo Scienza have been mentioned as of late, the main focus could be set on welcoming defenders that suit Farke's back three system.
According to reports in Argentina, as relayed by Sport Witness, Leeds have launched an approach to sign Rivero from River Plate this summer, with the South American side "shocked" by their attempts.
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Having just put pen to paper on a new deal, the young defender now has a release clause worth as much as €100m (£87m). It seems unlikely that Leeds trigger that hefty clause, but it is common for South American clubs to insert huge release fees and then sell for less.
It's not the first time that Rivero has attracted interest from the Premier League, either. His agent reportedly travelled to England last month to hold talks with Brighton & Hove Albion, but it remains to be seen whether the Seagulls reignite their move this summer.
£87m Rivero is a future star
It would be a statement of intent from Leeds if they managed to sign Rivero this summer. The 22-year-old is on course to become a defensive star and could enjoy his best moments in the spotlight at Elland Road.
League stats P90 25/26 Lautaro Rivero Pascal Struijk
Minutes 970 2,521
Tackles 1.39 1.11
Pass accuracy 86.5% 88.5%
Recoveries 3.62 3.75
In terms of numbers, Rivero would be ready to play a bigger part than some may think. The River Plate defender has been excellent at times in South America this season, averaging more tackles than Pascal Struijk per game and enjoying a similarly impressive pass success.
His £87m release clause will be out of reach for the 49ers, but that should not stop them from testing the waters this summer. If there is a way past Rivero's clause, then Leeds should do everything to find it and then exploit it when the summer transfer window swings open.