Serie A side, Roma are closing in on Newell’s Old Boys teenage striker, Ezequiel Ponce according to the player’s father as it appears the Italian giants have beaten off interest from Tottenham and several other european clubs.

Daniel Ponce told lt8: “This week we’ll finalise the agreement with Roma for Ezequiel”

The 17-year-old has only featured 17 times for Newell’s since making his debut in 2013 and it seems that the deal in place with Roma would see Ponce remain in Rosario for the next year to gain further experience.

“I’m very happy [about the move], as well as because he will stay with Newell’s for another year”.

It has been reported that this part of the deal has been decisive as Tottenham were keen for the youngster to move to London immediately and both Newell’s and the player favoured Roma’s option.

It is also noted that the agreement between Roma and Newell’s is only for 60% of the ownership rights in exchange for €5 million.

Ponce missed the entire Torneo Transición through injury and Newell’s suffered a frustrating season, marked by a distinct lack of goals in his absence.

It was during the Torneo Final that Ponce really announced himself on the Primera as Newell’s manager, Alfredo Berti handed him his debut against Quilmes to make him the youngest player in the club’s history at sixteen. His first goal followed shortly when he netted in Newell’s victory over Racing in Rosario.

Berti, of course, was more familiar with Ponce’s talent given his experience with the club’s youth sides and would have watched him regularly when he scored 35 goals in the 2012 season.

Ponce is a powerfully built 17-year-old who despite his young age has no problems leading the line and during the Torneo Final showed the maturity and ability to play that number nine role for Newell’s.

Needless to say as a 16-year-old centre forward playing top flight football, at times Ponce looked a little raw but his potential did not go unnoticed around the world of football.

Several clubs have been linked since but it would appear that Roma have won the race for one of Argentina’s most sought after youngsters.