Óscar Duarte, a Costa Rican central defender currently playing for Saprissa, is close to joining Newell's. The club is planning for the second half of the season and has targeted Duarte, who was recommended by goalkeeper Keylor Navas. Duarte has a release clause that allows him to leave for free to play abroad, which makes the transfer to Argentine football quite feasible. Newell's is waiting for Duarte to finish his commitments with Saprissa to advance in the signing. Transfermarkt currently estimates his market value at 275k euros.