Real Madrid Will Meet River Plate to Discuss Exequiel Palacios, Says Agent

Real Madrid will hold a meeting with River Plate after the second leg of the Copa Libertadores final to discuss Exequiel Palacios, according to his agent Renato Corsi.

The second leg between River and Boca Juniors will be played at Real's Santiago Bernabeu stadium on Sunday, and the Spanish side will use the opportunity to sit down with the former.

Corsi told AS' Alex de Llano:

"We've received phone calls from Inter, Roma, Wolfsburg. ... A lot of clubs have shown an interest but the one who are really pushing hard for Palacios is Real Madrid.

"Due to the aftermath of the River–Boca return leg being postponed, presidents from both clubs haven't been able to talk about the matter yet.

"Real Madrid have comported themselves really well with us, both with me and my partner. The two clubs will sit down to talk properly after the final, there will be a few meetings regarding Palacios in Madrid over the next few days."

Palacios first appeared for River in 2015, and over the past year or so, he has become a first-team regular, notching four goals and five assists in 38 appearances.

He has caught the eye with his performances this year, and he has played every minute of their knockout-phase matches in the Libertadores to help them reach the final, including the first leg, which finished 2-2.

On the back of his good form, the youngster made his Argentina debut in September—a month before his 20th birthday.

Goal's Dan Edwards is excited about him:

Edwards also wrote that the player "thrives while on the ball, driving through the heart of the pitch and showing intelligence beyond his years to move it on at the right moment."

Meanwhile, Squawka's Harry Edwards is a fan of Palacios' when he doesn't have the ball at his feet:

Real Madrid have an assured midfield three of Casemiro, Toni Kroos and 2018 Ballon d'Or winner Luka Modric, one that would seem difficult to break into.

Modric is 33, though, and an option who can provide an injection of energy and dynamism would be a useful addition in the Spanish capital.