River Plate have admitted they are going to struggle to hold onto teenager Erik Lamela.
Boss admits player could leave
River Plate have admitted they are going to struggle to hold onto teenager Erik Lamela.
The 18-year-old has long been touted as one of the most promising players in Argentina after Barcelona tried to sign him when he was 12.
Now he is showing his capabilities having made the breakthrough into the first-team.
A host of clubs are already checking on him with Atletico Madrid leading the chase.
"We all know that it's very difficult to retain for a long time players that have the quality that Erik has," River coach Juan Jose Lopez stated.
"We all know that a team with a lot of money can take him away at any moment, and nobody, neither the president or me want to stop a player's career.
"If his transfer is something good for River and for the player then I hope he gets transferred to Europe and I wish him all the success. But before that all we want to do is win a title."
Flattered
Lamela admits he is flattered by the news that Atletico have been chasing him.
"It is great that a big European side such as Atletico (Madrid) are watching me, but I am not going to get carried away," Lamela said in
AS.
"The interest is nice and makes me proud but I want to leave as a champion with River (Plate).
"I am dreaming of that and I don't want to go yet. I want to continue playing games and after that we will see what happens.
"I have to stay calm and with my head focused on River."
