Lucas Alario’s impressive form since signing for River Plate has seen the 24-year-old establish himself as one of the most feared strikers currently operating in South America, earned him a senior call-up to the Argentina squad and inevitably led to intense European interest. Inter Milan and Liverpool were previously linked to the former Colón centre forward but according to reports in France, Paris Saint-Germain have already begun negotiations.

River wisely had Alario sign a new deal with the club in September which runs until June 2020 but also crucially included a release clause in the region of €18 million.

French newspaper L’Equipe report that PSG sporting director and former Netherlands striker Patrick Kluivert is in talks with River after identifying Alario as a possible back-up to Edinson Cavani.

Young French striker Jean-Kévin Augustin is set to be loaned out in January and so the French champions will be needing to strengthen ahead of the second half of the season.

In Alario’s relatively short career with River after signing from Colón in 2015, El Flaco has shown himself to be a striker for the big occasions. Vitals goals in the Copa Libertadores semi-final and final helped Marcelo Gallardo’s side lift the trophy but another in the Recopa Sudamericana helped River beat Independiente Santa Fe.

Averaging a goal every two games since the daunting move to the Monumental, current Argentina coach Edgardo Bauza described Alario as the future and a move to Europe has looked inevitable.