Controversial Colombian striker Teo Gutiérrez’ stay at River had already lasted too long without any real problem so it should come as no surprise that the relationship now appears broken. Gutiérrez has courted controversy at almost every club in his career and nearly always left on bad terms but after stating that he wanted out of the Monumental in this transfer window River president Rodolfo D’onofrio made it quite clear that he would not accept the behaviour. Brazilian club, Corinthians had been close but they are now said to have competition from Sporting Lisbon and Sevilla. None of the clubs have agreed a deal with River but Gutiérrez’ exit appears inevitable.

For a player who has seen his fair share of drama, Teo’s time at River has been incredibly successful. The 30 year-old has been a regular goal scorer and lifted the Torneo Final and Copa Sudamericana trophies as River have established themselves as one of the top sides in South America. With a Copa Libertadores semi-final still to play it is an odd time to want away but Gutiérrez has made it very clear that that is exactly what he wants. While on international duty with Colombia, Gutiérrez told reporters that his “cycle with River had finished” and amid interest from Corinthians, the striker added “Corinthians is a very big club and I hope I can go.“

With River asking for around €2.5 million for 50% of the ownership, the deal with Corinthians looked likely but talks seem to have stalled and in the interim, Sporting Lisbon and Sevilla have entered the race. This is likely to be of even more interest to Teo, whose only previous crack at Europe came with Turkish side Trabzonspor in 2010-11.

Portuguese newspaper, O Jogo have suggested that a deal with Sporting Lisbon is close and ran with a front page that claimed ‘Teo Gutiérrez is almost a lion.‘ The stumbling block at present is that River seek €2.5 million for 50% but the Lisbon giants are currently offering close to this amount but for the complete transfer.

There is plenty of time to negotiate this but River president was bullish when asked about about the possibility of the Colombian returning to Nuñez earlier this week whilst presenting River’s new signings: “It is already decided that he does not return to the first team. We will see if the economic issue can be fixed and if not he will play with the reserves.”