Fans have been told Boca Juniors would be tempted to cash in on Albion target Valentin Barco.

But they would ideally look to fulfil his wish to stay with them all the time they remain in the Copa Libertadores.

The Seagulls are interested in the left-sided midfielder or full-back who has a buyout clause of about £8 million with Argentinian sources reporting they already have a bid on the table.

That relatively low figure for the exciting 19-year-old was negotiated by his agents in return for signing a new contract, which expires at the end of 2024.

South American football expert Tim Vickery told TalkSPORT radio: “With the financial situation in Argentina at the moment, that transfer fee goes a long, long way.”

Manchester City are also reported to be keen on Barco.

The next round of the Libertadores – the quarter-finals - is completed in the early hours of August 31.

And clearly there is no guarantee Boca will progress.

But, if they do, they would see the ideal scenario as agreeing a sale which allows Barco to remain in Buenos Aires until December.

Albion’s recruitment tends to be forward-looking and they have been prepared to plan potential signings at least one window in advance – an example being the deal for Facundo Buonanotte.

The club were working on his potential arrival this time last year even though he was viewed as a signing for the winter window.

Boca will have seen recent events involving Moises Caicedo and be aware of the potential advantages of agreeing a deal with a sell-on clause.

They face Argentinian rivals Racing Club in the last eight of the Libertadores, a competition which, like the domestic league, concludes in November.