Ezequiel Barco, 18, is a transfer target for MLS side Atlanta United. Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images

Atlanta United is standing firm with its original offer of $12 million for Independiente midfielder Ezequiel Barco, a league source confirmed to ESPN FC.

Reports out of Argentina indicated that Atlanta is prepared to pay $22 million to bring Barco to the Five Stripes, but a league source countered that Atlanta United hasn't budged from its previous offer.

The source added that Barco has agreed to give $1 million from his cut of the potential transfer fee to Independiente in order to facilitate the move, and that club president Hugo Moyano had previously agreed to let Barco leave once Independiente's participation in the Copa Sudamericana was complete.

Ante la negativa de #Independiente de vender a Ezequiel Barco por 12 millones de dólares, el Atalanta de la MLS vuelve a la carga y está dispuesto a abonar 22 millones. pic.twitter.com/1vOlvtjoAh — César Luis Merlo (@CLMerlo) December 21, 2017

But Barco's performances in the tournament -- and throughout the league season -- have complicated matters. Independiente claimed the title by defeating Brazilian side Flamengo 3-2 aggregate, with Barco netting a penalty in the second leg to earn his side a 1-1 draw on the night. Moyano's son Pablo, a club vice president, has since said Barco wouldn't be sold for less than $20 million.

TyC Sports reported earlier this week that Barco had asked for Atlanta's offer to be accepted.