Villarreal track Perez

Perez: European interest

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The agent of Marco Perez claims his client is close to securing a summer switch to Villarreal.

The teenage striker, who is currently on the books of Argentine outfit Gimnasia La Plata, has caught the eye of numerous European scouts this season.

The only sticking point in him completing a switch from South America is likely to concern his complicated ownership rights.

In much the same way as Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano caused problems when they joined West Ham in 2006, Colombian ace Perez is not owned by a single club.

His representative Eduardo Pimental owns half of the rights to the player, while the other 50 per cent is held by a group of investors.

This confusing matter needs to be resolved before he can go anywhere, but it appears that Villarreal will be his most likely destination should he move on at the end of the season.

Proposal

"There still isn't anything arranged because the people I have been talking too represent several teams," Pimental told Antena 2.

"But one of them was from Villarreal and he has sent me the most interesting proposal so far."

Pimental is looking to cash in on his half of Perez's ownership rights in any sale, but admits he needs to talk with his fellow investors before any decision can be made.

"I have to meet with the owners of the other 50 per cent of the transfer to see if they want to sell the player," he added.

"Maybe they want to keep their part and I will sell my part."

Pimental believes that his stake in Perez is worth between three and four million dollars (£2-2.5m).