The 29-year-old has spent the last four months on loan from Villarreal, helping the Buenos Aires outfit lift the Copa Libertadores trophy last week.

The Argentina midfielder is set to return to the Spanish Primera Liga following the Copa America, but Crespi is now hoping the fans can play a part in keeping Riquelme at Boca for an extended period.

Crespi has sent a letter to interim president Pedro Pompilio to propose the introduction of a telephone number, which fans can ring and pledge money to help the club collect the three million US dollars (£1.5million) they need for a new six-month loan deal.

Crespi believes the club can contribute one million dollars, with one million coming from sponsors and another million being provided by supporters.

"I think that money will be enough," Crespi told Ole newspaper.

"I have already said I would be the first to put in part of the money."

If Boca can retain him until December, Riquelme will be available to play the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan.