Dortmund keen to sign Lautaro Martinez in January

Bengaluru, November 23: Borussia Dortmund have identified 20-year-old Argentine striker Lautaro Martínez as a long-term replacement for star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as the club authorities have already held informal talks with the player's dad over a potential €9m transfer in the winter window, according to reports.

The Borussia Dortmund chief scouts were reportedly at La Bombonera to watch the Racing striker play in last Sunday's match at Boca Juniors. The 20-year-old proved his worth in the game as he scored and set up one as his club stopped Boca's unbeaten run in the Argentina Superliga with a 2-1 win. After the game, the officials allegedly had dinner with the player and his dad to negotiate terms.

Now, the father of the U-20 striker has confirmed the news and stated that they had some talks with Borussia Dortmund in regards to his son's potential move to the Bundesliga side in the winter transfer window, however, nothing has been finalised yet.

"We met with them [Borussia Dortmund representatives], it was an informal chat, a dinner, but there is still nothing concrete yet," Mario Martinez, father of Lautaro, told TYC Sports. "But we are in talks.

"They came to the game and I think they got a taste of what Lautaro can give, which is what they came to see."

Apart from Dortmund, Spanish side Atlético Madrid also reportedly had a long-standing interest for the striker and appeared to be in pole position to sign him. However, now the participation of the Bundesliga club may complicate the deal.

His father also acknowledged the fact that apart from Dortmund, some Spanish sides are monitoring his son's development and he personally wants his son to go to Spain. However, he also mentioned that the decision will totally be up to his son's choice and he will not influence his son's selection.

"As a father, I want him to go wherever he feels happier and safer," Martinez said. "I would like him to go to the Spanish league because of the language but the most important thing is the sporting project.

"There are options and they will be evaluated.

"Right now we are just enjoying his current form and we hope that things continue like this for him and for Racing."

Martinez scored nine goals last season in 29 appearances and already registered two in five this season.