Argentine striker Lucas Pratto, currently plying his trade in Belo Horizonte for Atlético Mineiro, has sparked speculation that he could commit footballing treason and accept an international call from Brazil after speaking with Dunga. Pratto has excelled since switching Vélez for the Galo and with an Argentina call looking no more likely than it was when the 27-year-old was in the Primera, he would now consider changing his allegiance.

During the 2014 Torneo Transición, Lucas Pratto, at times, single-handedly kept Vélez propped up and after finishing the season as the league’s leading scorer it became obvious that he needed a move away from Liniers. El Fortín have been an unmitigated disaster since his departure but Brazilian side, Atlético Mineiro have been the beneficaries.

After scoring six goals in ten appearances en route to lifting the state Campeonato Mineiro, Pratto has continued to find the net in Campeonato Brasileiro. Twelve in 28 appearances, including a wonderful first-half hat-trick against São Paulo, has Pratto only behind veteran striker, Ricardo Oliveira in the goal scoring charts and this has not gone unnoticed by the Seleção.

Speaking to Radio América, Pratto confirmed that his form has led to conversations with Brazil national team coach, Dunga: “Dunga said that if he had to put together a side from the domestic league, I would be the no.9.”

The lack of a true number nine is something that has been discussed in Brazilian football in recent months and at over six feet, and the strength and power to lead the line combined with excellent technique, perhaps Pratto could be an option.

The Argentine, who started his professional career with Boca Juniors, admits that representing Argentina would still be his preferred option but with such a wealth of options in attack, the chances of Pratto receiving a call look slim. With this in mind, Pratto appears to have left the door open on the possibility of playing for La Albiceleste’s rivals.

“My dream is to play for Argentina. If not, Brazil can call me and we will see.”