Higuaín being chased by Real Madrid, two countries

	Gonzalo Higuaín's breakout season for River Plate has attracted the attention of Real Madrid, AC Milan, Chelsea, Man Utd and PSG. AP
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If you're looking for future megastars, look no further than Gonzalo Higuaín. The 18-year-old Argentine phenom may have a little more than a year of first-team experience under his belt, but he has already shown the potential to become one of the greatest strikers in the world.

Higuaín has been stunning for River Plate this season, and proved his worth with two superb goals in last month's 3-1 victory over archrival Boca Juniors. That display not only helped him become a household name in Argentina, but has also led to envious glances from Europe -- in particular from Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid, a club that is eagerly trying to acquire him.

And his explosion has come just at the right time. Higuaín was born in Brest, France, where his father -- former Argentine legend Jorge Higuaín -- turned on the style for local side Stade Brestois 29.

That birthright means the youngster is entitled to represent either Argentina or France in international play. It's no surprise, then, that each team's respective manager, Alfio Basile and Raymond Domenech, is eager to nab Higuaín with major international competitions on the horizon.

Higuaín's transfer to Real Madrid almost looks like a formality -- he has already posed for photographers while donning the prized white shirt. (As of Tuesday, Real and River hadn't agreed to a transfer fee; River rejected a $13 million offer.) But he's still undecided as to which national-team jersey he'll wear.

I recently sat down to chat with the in-demand striker just before Real's interest in him came to press. We talked about his sudden rise to fame, soccer in his family and the million-dollar question: Argentina or France?

SI.com: At only 18, you're one of River Plate's biggest stars and one of Argentina's brightest prospects. Did you expect to achieve this much success so soon?

Higuaín: No, everything has come so quickly. Things are going well and I'm very happy. Hopefully I can continue with this path.

SI.com: Two goals against Boca in the Superclásico -- what did that mean to you?

Higuaín: It was one of the greatest moments in my life. Since I was a little kid, I dreamed of that. To be able to do it was very nice, so I've been enjoying it to the maximum.

SI.com: River manager Daniel Passarella recently said you're worth no less than $19 million. Does that put more pressure on you to perform?

Higuaín: Well, I'm happy he recognizes that I'm doing my best for the team. It's nice to see that someone of his importance values my work. It may be a bit of pressure, but I take it as a compliment. I have the responsibility to score goals for the club and I hope to continue to do so.

SI.com: Who were your idols when you were growing up?

Higuaín: There was Enzo Francescoli, Ariel Ortega and Marcelo Gallardo. I watched all of these great players, and now, to have some of them as teammates is very special to me.

SI.com: Your father played for both River and Boca, as well as in France. Was that clearly your path growing up?

Higuaín: Yes, I used to watch him a lot. I tried my best to learn as much as possible from him. The life of my entire family revolves around soccer. I think I really didn't have any other choice than to become a soccer player.

SI.com: Your older brother, Federico, plays for Nueva Chicago and is also having a great season. You're neck-and-neck among the league's scoring leaders.

Higuaín: It's nice to see that both of us are doing well. We both play in the same position, so it's a bit of competition between us, but we try not to compare. We are both very happy for each other.

SI.com: If you had the choice, in which European league would you like to play?

Higuaín: I don't prefer any in particular. I like the French, English, German, Italian and Spanish leagues, as they are all very competitive. When I receive an offer, I'll look at it very carefully. I will weigh my options and analyze them with my family and friends.

SI.com: Many have said that your style of play better suits the English game, particularly because of your physical strength.

Higuaín: Yes, I think I could handle the English game. It's a difficult league to play in, but so is the Argentine one. For now, I'm keeping my options wide open.

SI.com: Many have compared you to David Trézéguet, who also has an Argentine father, but chose to play for France, the country of his birth.

Higuaín: Hopefully I can come close to achieving what he has. He has had an excellent career, and I'm happy to have been compared with such a good player. But like I told you, I'm calm, and trying my best to concentrate on doing things right for River.

SI.com: French national-team coach Raymond Domenech is hoping that you will choose to play for Les Bleus. Would you be interested in doing so?

Higuaín: I haven't made up my mind yet. I am aware that both France and Argentina want me to play for them, but it's too soon to make a decision. I'm still young and I'm trying not to think about that at the moment.

SI.com: Meanwhile, Argentina's Alfio Basile is hopeful that you'll make up your mind just in time for next year's Copa América in Venezuela.

Higuaín: That would be nice, but it's much too early to start thinking about. Next year I hope to have a good season, and maybe I will have the opportunity. But for now I haven't made any decision as to who I will play for.