The stock of Lucas Alario is rapidly rising and after making his Argentina debut last week amid increasing rumours of interest from Europe, the 23-year-old has signed a new deal with River Plate which runs until 2020 and includes a buy-out clause of €10.5 million.

Inter Milan vice-president Javier Zanetti spoke in glowing terms of Alario in recent days and stated that the centre-forward is one of their targets but the Italian giants are not alone in their interest. Liverpool, Tottenham and Benfica have also been linked with moves for the prolific striker but any of these clubs will now have to pay the highest release clause in the Argentine top flight.

River Plate have moved swiftly to safeguard their prized asset with a new contract that expires in June 2020 and crucially includes the €10.5 million clause.

.@lucasalario13 renovó su contrato con #River hasta el 30 de junio de 2020. Conocé más en: https://t.co/JmgKPTuyn3 pic.twitter.com/1cU4wv65PI

— River Plate (@CARPoficial) September 9, 2016

“I’m very happy and want to continue doing my best for the team,” Alario said after putting pen to paper alongside River president Rodolfo D’onofrio.

“This is a club that has given me a very big opportunity. It has allowed me to win important things and play in some beautiful matches.”

Alario has already shown great development and Marcelo Gallardo has said that there is yet more to come despite the striker having a record of better than a goal every two games.

Already a full international after Edgardo Bauza turned to the youngster in the absence of Gonzalo Higuaín for the recent World Cup qualifiers, Alario looks destined for a move to Europe sooner rather than later. First however, El Flaco may fire River Plate to further glory.

Alario headed the all-important goal in the Copa Libertadores final and has started this season in fine form. If River lift the Primera title this season, Alario is likely to have played an important role.