Luton Town are reportedly prepared to battle for the services of LDU Quito midfielder Oscar Zambrano in the January transfer window, despite a clause in his contract which could increase the Hatters' spending.
The 19-year-old is being touted as one of the hottest prospects in South American football after making his first-team debut in September 2021 at the age of just 17.
Zambrano is a defensive-minded midfielder who has been compared to Chelsea lynchpin Moises Caicedo, who recently secured a £100m switch from Brighton & Hove Albion to Stamford Bridge.
The Ecuadorian is yet to feature for his nation's senior side but has been a big part of their Under-20s team during this calendar year, appearing 12 times.
According to The Sun, Luton are still hopeful that they will be able to secure the services of Zambrano in the January transfer window, although there is set to be added complications in a potential deal.
© Reuters
The report claims that the youngster will personally pocket 15% of the transfer fee that LDU Quito earn from the sale, although the Ecuadorian club are hoping that the player does not request his cut of the money.
It is understood that Luis Zubeldia's men are looking to receive £5.5m from the offload of Zambrano, who is said to be keen on a move to Europe as he aims to progress in the early stages of his career.
Another option would be for Luton to pay the midfielder 15% of the transfer fee from their own pockets, however that would obviously increase the outlay for the Hatters in the New Year.
Many European outfits have been aware of Zambrano for some time now, with the 19-year-old travelling to the Netherlands for a trial with Ajax a few years ago.
Luton boss Rob Edwards has already confirmed that his side are interested in the midfielder, however he denied that the top-flight newcomers had submitted a bid for the player in the summer.
© Reuters
The Hatters are beginning to cast their recruitment net far and wide following promotion to the Premier League for the first time, with scout Phil Chapple being sent to watch a number of players in South Africa over the past few months.
Hoping to get an in-depth look at Zambrano, many scouts were in attendance at Estadio Domingo Burgueno Miguel last weekend as LDU faced off against Fortaleza in the Copa Sudamericana final, however the youngster was an unused substitute on the night.
Luton were moments away from securing their maiden home success in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon before Luiz Diaz netted an added-time equaliser for Jurgen Klopp's Reds at Kenilworth Road.
Tahith Chong came off the bench to open the scoring for the Hatters, and like most of the club's summer arrivals, the Dutchman had earned the chance at top-flight football in Bedfordshire after impressing in the EFL.
Carter White
