BUENOS AIRES, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- Veteran Argentine midfielder Enzo Perez could join Argentinos Juniors on a free transfer, the Buenos Aires club said on Wednesday.

Perez's contract with River Plate is due to expire on December 31 and manager Marcelo Gallardo has told the former Valencia and Benfica player he is not part of his future first-team plans.

Argentinos Juniors sporting director Raul Sanzotti said the club was negotiating a possible performance-based contract with the 39-year-old.

"We like him. Hopefully at some point he can be with us, we are talking," Sanzotti told DSports Radio. "It's not so much about money, it is more about the sporting side, about what we want to compete for."

"Argentinos signs contracts based on productivity, beyond the salary. We support players from that angle so there is more competitiveness."

Perez made 37 appearances across all competitions for River Plate this year, having joined the club for a second time in January from Estudiantes.

He also represented River from 2017 to 2024, helping it lift the 2018 Copa Libertadores trophy. ■