According to Latin-American journalist Jonas Giaevera, Swansea are in discussions with River Plate for defender Eder Alvarez Balanta.

Colombian media reporting that Swansea are in discussions with River Plate about Colombian defender Eder Alvarez Balanta. — Jonas Giæver (@CheGiaevara) October 20, 2015

Balanta is a Colombian international centre-back and featured for Colombia in the 2014 World Cup. After four years at Argentinian giants River Plate, Balanta has suddenly fell out of favour in the Primera Division and wants a January move away.

The 22-year-old is said to be very powerful, great in the air and a fearless tackler and in 2013 there were rumours linking him with a massive move to Barcelona after Pep Guardiola identified him as an amazing prospect in world football.

A few years on though, the hype has lessened and he seems to be struggling in Argentina of late. However, Manchester United were close to signing him in January with the Express identifying United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool as firm admirers.

Who knows if Swansea are in formal discussions with River Plate over Balanta, but it surely wouldn’t be a bad move for either party. Swansea would gain a young, enthusiastic defender and River Plate would get – what to them is – a fair amount of money.

If Balanta did come to South Wales, would that mean someone like Kyle Bartley moving on? Let us know what you think @ReadSwansea.