River Plate legend Carlos Morete believes his former club should be launching an ambitious play for Manchester City maestro Kevin De Bruyne this summer ahead of the Club World Club
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Kevin De Bruyne
River Plate have been urged to launch a shock move for Man City maestro Kevin De Bruyne
Former River Plate striker Carlos Morete has urged the Argentine giants to launch an ambitious £15million swoop for out-of-contract Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian, who is still believed to be open to extending his stay at the Etihad, is currently poised to depart the Premier League champions on June 30 following the expiry of his current deal.
If City fail to resolve De Bruyne's future before the start of the Club World Cup, which begins on June 14, he would only be eligible to feature at the tournament until the end of his current contract.
FIFA have already approved an interim transfer window between June 1 and June 10 that will allow out-of-contract players to seal moves elsewhere before the Club World Cup formally begins. That includes sides participating at the competition and 73-year-old ex-forward Morete feels River Plate should be considering a shock swoop for the Belgian.
He told Argentine radio station River Monumental : "River has a manager and brains. Maybe they called and I don't know or it wasn't made public. Why didn't anyone take a plane to Manchester and go find out about De Bruyne?"
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Initially, his claim was laughed off during the broadcast but he continued his argument, adding: "He's 33 years old. You pay him $20 million [£15m], he's free, and you see if you bring him in or not.
"He'll make you a champion, make you fight for championships, and solve all your problems. Go check out his physical condition. He's a real star and he's not that old. Make him an offer. He leaves City for free, pay him €20m per year and bring him in.
"If you buy a player for $14m like the Colombian [Kevin Castano] or $12 for Sebastian Driussi, you've made a mess of millions of dollars. Here you don't pay a penny for his transfer and you bring in a star. Everything River brought in doesn't solve anything."
Pep Guardiola manager of Manchester City and Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne's current Man City contract is set to expire in June
De Bruyne is attracting strong interest from the MLS and the Saudi Pro League as sides continue to monitor his situation.
Speaking in February, Pep Guardola stated only De Bruyne could resolve his City future. The Spaniard said when asked if his close relationship with the player could help City keep hold of the 33-year-old: "Nothing is going to change about that. Of course we know each other quite well and we are quite honest with that.
"I think in that situation he has to decide, that is the most important thing. He's completely honest with himself, to decide what he feels and what he can do in the next period of his life. He's 34 in the summer and he has to decide, like what happened with David Silva for example."
City have been drawn in Group G for the Club World Cup when they will face Wydad AC, Al Ain and Juventus. Meanwhile, River Plate are in Group E and have been paired with Urawa Reds, Monterrey and Inter Milan. FIFA have already confirmed a record $1billion in prize money is up for grabs at the 32-team tournament in the United States this summer.
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