Chelsea dealt blow in 'next Ronaldo' chase

River Plate have warned suitors off highly-rated teenage talent Lucas Ocampos.

The 17-year-old Argentine has been linked with a handful of clubs across Europe, including Chelsea, with scouts monitoring the player's progress in South America closely.

Dubbed 'the next Cristiano Ronaldo' in his homeland, agent Pablo Sabbag confirmed interest in his client to the Buenos Aries media, but president Daniel Passarella insists the club do not need to sell despite their relegation last term.

"After we sold Erik Lamela and Pereyra, we have put in order the financial situation of our club," said Passarella.

"So, at the moment we don't have any need to transfer any other player. We aren't going to transfer any player at least until we get back to the Premier division."


 

Andre Villas-Boas has spent big on young player at Stamford Bridge in the summer, with Romelu Lukaku, Oriol Romeu and Juan Mata all added to the Chelsea ranks during the transfer window.

Ocampos was thought to be another youngster on the Chelsea radar, but the Blues may now have to wait before attempting to bring the player to Stamford Bridge.