River Plate in talks over Quintero's future

BUENOS AIRES, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- River Plate are in talks with Shenzhen FC to extend a loan agreement for Colombian playmaker Juan Fernando Quintero, the Argentine club's president said.

Quintero's season-long loan expires on December 31 and economic obstacles could prevent him from remaining in Buenos Aires, despite a desire from both club and player to sign a new deal.

"Juanfer is a complex issue," River Plate president Jorge Brito told Argentina's TyC Sports.

"His situation as an Argentine resident makes it impossible for us to send foreign currency abroad for the purchase of economic rights. We want to see if we can somehow reach an agreement with Shenzhen FC."

"Obviously we are going to try every means possible to reach an agreement. We want to do it before the end of the year so that he can join us in time for [pre-season training]," he added.

Quintero returned to River on a 10-month loan last February, 12 months after leaving to sign a three-year deal with the Chinese Super League club.

The 29-year-old attacking midfielder admitted he was unsure where he would play next year.

"I have a contract until December 31," newspaper Clarin quoted Quintero as saying. "I spoke with the president and nothing has changed. We have offers to go to several places, but I want to make the decision with a cool head."