The brass at La Liga champions Real Madrid have come to the decision to pull the plug on their pursuit of River Plate sensation Franco Mastantuono.
That’s according to Marca, who have today provided an insight into the latest developments behind the scenes in Spain’s capital.
The name of midfielder Mastantuono of course took its place front and centre in the media chatter across Spain at various points earlier this year.
This came as both Barcelona and Real Madrid, in particular the latter, were credited with a serious interest in the signature of the 17-year-old.
Mastantuono, for his part, is widely regarded as one of the standout talents in all of South American football, considered a potential star in the making in his home country of Argentina.
In turn, it may come as something of a surprise to hear that Real Madrid, who have long proven so successful when it comes to developing young players from South America, have made the call to abandon all talks for the starlet.
As per a report from Marca, as much comes owing to the release clause included in Mastantuono’s recent River Plate contract renewal, set at €45 million.
Los Blancos have no intention of forking over such a sum.
With River continuing to point towards as much as the starting point for negotiations, the transfer can therefore be considered as dead in the water.
Conor Laird – GSFN
