River Plate midfielder Leonardo Ponzio says Exequiel Palacios could handle a move to Real Madrid.

The young Argentine is a priority January target for Real president Florentino Perez.

Ponzio told AS: "He has been with us for almost two and a half years. He developed with us at River. Real Madrid? I think he has all the qualities to play there, it's undeniable.

"But you cannot ask him the same thing as Luka Modric. He is only 20, he goes to another continent, to taste another football ... But it takes time to progress in good conditions. He perfectly fits the style of Real. Technically, he is good, he has a good quality of passes. But he must not lose his head either, and face all this with a lot of calm."