Exequiel Palacios Will Reportedly Be Real Madrid's First Signing in January

Real Madrid will reportedly complete the signing of Exequiel Palacios in January after reaching an agreement for the transfer with River Plate. 

According to Jose Felix Diaz of Marca, the deal will be confirmed following the Copa Libertadores final, the second leg of which is scheduled to take place on November 24. Palacios' River are facing rivals Boca Juniors, with the two sides having drawn 2-2 in the first leg.

"Still pending the signature, Palacios will sign until June 30, 2024, and the move for him continues the strategy of looking to bring in young talent with the club hierarchy believing that it is the only way that they can compete with mega-rich Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City," added Diaz. 

It's noted the deal will be worth in the region of €20 million (£17 million), and Los Blancos are confident the 20-year-old can come in and make an impression in the second half of the 2018-19 term.

Diaz added that there's a chance Palacios could come up against Real Madrid in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, although that would be dependent on River winning the Copa Libertadores.

It was confirmed by River Plate president Rodrigo D'Onofrio in an interview with Cadena SER (h/t Football Espana) that the two clubs would resume talks over the midfielder following the conclusion of the Copa, and it now appears a deal is poised to go through.

Palacios' potential has been evident for many years, and it's not a shock to see a team of Madrid's pedigree making their move for him. Here's a look at what the Argentina international is capable of bringing to a team: 

Per Scouted Football, the form of Palacios was enough to earn him a call up to the Argentina squad for the first time recently: 

At River the youngster has been a key man in midfield, with his technical ability and change of pace making him wonderful to watch. He's also showcased a temperament for the big occasion, something that would've no doubt impressed Real Madrid when looking into the player.

EiF commented on the playmaker earlier in the season and compared him to one of the great Argentina midfielders of this generation: 

A switch to European football represents a big jump for Palacios, and it appears as though Madrid are keen for him to come straight into the first-team squad.

Getting minutes will be a challenge for the youngster. Although manager Santiago Solari has shown he is willing to give younger players opportunities so far in his tenure, in midfield Madrid are strong, with the trio of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro crucial in their three UEFA Champions League successes in a row.

Palacios will not only be vying with those experienced figures but a rejuvenated Dani Ceballos, while Isco and Marco Asensio can also be used in advanced positions in midfield.

But regardless of the challenge that may await him in the Spanish capital, the opportunity to join Madrid is something that Palacios would not be able to turn down.