Porto’s Lucho Gonzalez part of championship winning River sides in 2003 and 2004

River Plate’s pitiful showing in this Torneo Inicial has prompted Ramon Diaz to start thinking about serious changes to his squad and there are two familiar names being linked with a return to El Monumental. Porto Captain, Lucho Gonzalez is perhaps more of a dream at this stage but striker, Fernando Cavanaghi could already be close to a move following his release from Mexican club, Pachuca.

Following significant changes only prior to this season it is disappointing for River that they already require changes to their squad but after such a poor showing and fan unrest something must be done.

The players who appear to be heading out the door are Jonathan Bottinelli, Cristian Ledesma, Jonathan Fabbro and Rodrigo Mora after several poor performances.

Fabbro only arrived a matter of months ago after impressing in his time in Paraguay with Cerro Porteño, winning Paraguayan footballer of the year 2012. However, he has been underwhelming to say the least at River Plate and it is understood that River will take up an option that will see him return to Cerro.

Whether or not it has any bearing on Diaz’s long term plans his side in training today was Marcelo Barovero; Gabriel Mercado, Germán Pezzella, Ramiro Funes Mori, Leonel Vangioni; Carlos Carbonero, Matias Kranevitter, Matias Rojas, Manuel Lanzini; Federico Andrada and Giovanni Simeone.

It is a turbulent time at River with President, Daniel Passarella stepping down and Rodolfo D’ Onofrio or Antonio Caselli most likely to win the election in December. One thing that either one of them will have to address is the contract of Ramon Diaz. The astronomical contract that Passarella awarded him when he returned was the subject of questions this week and Diaz admitted that this will be up for discussion when whoever is named the new Club President.

With it being election time it is also worth noting that any stories regarding returning ex-heroes could be put down to politics. Cavanaghi’s return appears to have some legs but the likes of Lucho Gonzalez and Andres D’Alessandro certainly appeal to the fans.