That Liverpool and Manchester United are banging on the door of Juan José Zapag about selling Sergio Diaz is no surprise. However, it would be a surprise if the Cerro Porteno president was prepared to cash in.
After an outstanding U20 South American Championships, both Liverpool and United moved quickly to push Zapag on a price for Diaz, barely 16, only last month.
"There are four big clubs in Europe who want him, but we're keeping them at bay," revealed Zapag last week. "He is very young, he needs to continue with us."
In a clear message to European suitors, which tribalfootball.com understands includes Barcelona (despite their 2015 transfer ban), Zapag spelt out Cerro's plans for their young jewel.
"The boy will stay. He will spend two more years with Cerro."
Despite his tender years, Diaz is already a first team prospect at Cerro. He made his debut in the final game of last season before becoming a regular under Argentine coach Leo Astrada.
Astrada's No2, Hernan Diaz, says: "He has incredible potential, has a great future, but we need to go little by little. He is a kid of 16 who still goes to school."
But the schoolboy is now a key member of Astrada's team, scoring eight goals before joining Paraguay for the South American Championships in Uruguay.
Diaz admits his young namesake has actually lifted Cerro's play this season.
"With his freshness, the team took a leap in quality. One of his virtues is that he plays as if he's playing at home with his friends. We will help him to grow day by day."
Former Newcastle United midfielder Diego Gavilan, now youth coach at Cerro, was among the first at the club to identify Diaz's talent.
Like Hernan Diaz, Gavilan has no doubt about the teen's potential.
"He has a resemblance to Kun Agüero. He's strong, technical and whose main objective is to find the goal. With us (U15s), he scored 33 goals in less than six months, things that no player has done before (with Cerro)."
For his part, Diaz likes the comparison with Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero.
"I have the characteristics of Kun Agüero, with my speed and goals," he smiles.
"I'm just a kid, but when I play I feel comfortable. My teammates support me and this is important."
As mum, Doña Miguela, reveals, playing for Cerro is a dream come true for Sergio and the entire family.
"We are all Cerristas," says Dona, who also admits Sergio's father has quit his job to take care of their son full-time.
"Sergio was travelling to training on his own, now his dad will accompany him in the car, because it is not always safe."
Sergio left school last year, but Dona says the plan is for him to return to his studies later this year - another hint that plans of a move to Europe are on the backburner.
It hasn't all been smooth sailing for Diaz since his debut, however, with his outspoken ways upsetting Paraguay U20 teammates over the past week.
Astrada says it's all the part of the learning process for Diaz, who at 16 is yet to suffer any type of career setback.
"Sergio has to understand that if the coach does not choose him, it is because there is a teammate who is better than him, if you think you have to play, you have to make a difference," Astrada reacted to complaints from Diaz over selection in Uruguay. "I am respectful of the decisions of coaches, Diaz must understand that sometimes there is another fellow who is better than him at that time."
But Victor Aguero, a major powerbroker at Cerro, has laughed off the row - and like Zapag also assured Cerristas that Diaz's immediate future is linked to them.
"Sergio Diaz will return rested from his vacation in Uruguay, I do not know why he does not play. The first game he did well, it's a surprise he does not play," said Aguero.
"People come to see him, he already has a name and already plays in the first division."
On Diaz's potential, Aguero is adamant.
"You cannot assess something that is flourishing, the player has no ceiling."
And a final message for Liverpool and United?
"Nothing can happen. (FIFA) regulations say he cannot be transferred until he's 18 years old. He's still 16!"
