Barcelona and Real Madrid to fight it out for Exequiel Palacios
Both teams are interested in the talented River Plate youngster
South American players are always drawing attention from Europe's biggest clubs. The latest player to come to the fore is River Player midfielder Exequiel Palacios, who is interesting Real Madrid and Barcelona -- although they're not alone.
Palacios is in great form and a number of clubs are following him. However, it's Inter Milan who are in pole position at the moment. The Italian side are ready to pay the player's 15 million euros clause and leave him on loan at River until the summer. Meanwhile, the Argentine side are working on an improved deal, with the aim of getting as much as possible for a player they know will leave the country soon.
Knowing of the interest, River Plate president Rodolfo D'Onofrio broke his silence and sent a warning to Barcelona.
"I will unplug the phones, I will do anything to make sure Palacios doesn't go. He's very young," he told Fox Sports. "No one has called for Palacios. Yes, we know there are various clubs looking at River and Gremio players (in the Copa Libertadores semifinal).
"We guess that Palacios could be one of the players but I hope they don't get too excited."
