体坛英语新闻：European clubs sharpen focus on Argentina defender Montiel

BUENOS AIRES, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Roma have emerged as frontrunners in the race to sign River Plate and Argentina international right-back Gonzalo Montiel, according to media reports in the South American country.

But the Italian Serie A giants face competition from Valencia, West Ham and an unnamed Bundesliga side, the Ole news outlet said on Friday.

River were said to be seeking 22 million U.S. dollars for the 23-year-old's signature, though that figure is now seen to be optimistic in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

Despite a general market devaluation, Montiel could still be sold when the next transfer window opens, according to his agent Marcelo Carracedo.

"Several teams have called me," Carracedo told Radio La Red. "Clearly, paying 20 million dollars now is impossible. The player is worth what the clubs are willing to spend. When they inquire about his price I ask them how much they are prepared to pay. Then we can negotiate with River."

Inter Milan has previously been linked with Montiel while West Ham had an 11 million-dollar offer rejected in January, according to reports.

The defender, who is tied to River until June 2021, has made 64 first-team appearances for River and has been capped twice for Argentina's national team.