Real Madrid are closing on a deal for River Plate midfielder Exequiel Palacios.

Marca says the versatile midfielder, who has starred under Marcelo Gallardo at River, has drawn attention from several clubs in Europe.

However, it appears Los Blancos have won the race for his signature for a fee of 20 million euros.

That news circulated in Buenos Aires on Monday and TyC Sports are reporting that he could arrive in the Spanish capital in June of 2019, allowing him to start pre-season with his new club after completing the current edition of the Copa Libertadores and Argentine Superliga.

Real Madrid were so determined to sign the 20-year-old that they offered 5m euros more than his 15m euros release clause in order to complete the transfer.