Aston Villa are in the picture to sign Nicolas Valentini from Boca Juniors, according to reports in South America.
He played mainly as a center back and occasionally as a left back.
Last year, he played in 37 matches and scored one goal. His performances have clearly attracted the attention of Premier League sides keen to bring him to Villa Park. El Crack Deportivo Noticias claim Aston Villa are keen to sign the 22-year-old.
The Argentine club are close to completing the sale of Valentin Barco to Brighton & Hove Albion, and Valentini could follow his compatriot to England.
Journalist Jonathan Liniti has claimed that Boca Juniors are aware of Aston Villa’s interest in him.
“Aston Villa bring in Valentini. “Bocada know the offer they can make, they know the current release clause is $10 million and they could be fired like Barco,” he told El Crack Deportivo Noticias.
In addition to Unai Emery’s students, Lazio are also paying attention to South American players.
His contract runs until the end of this year and Boca Juniors will be looking to extend his contract with a bigger release clause following his failure at Barco.
The Serie A side reportedly offered $8 million, $6 million less than Boca Juniors’ asking fee.
The report does not explain why Valentini would have been allowed to leave for $14 million if his clause was lower.
One option is to pay $10 million in one lump sum, or you could spread the larger amount over several years.
