Real Madrid haven't dropped their pursuit of River Plate midfielder Exequiel Palacios.

The Argentine was expected to move to Real Madrid in January, though after the deal didn't materialise it was suggested the transfer was off.

However, ESPN reports Real are now stepping up plans to sign Palacios.

The Spanish giants have dispatched club doctors to Argentina to check on Palacios after he suffered a broken leg injury last week.

Palacios will undergo surgery - with the presence of Real medical chiefs suggesting a summer move is in place.