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Boca vs River: Barcelona scouting FOUR stars at Copa Libertadores final, Real Madrid keen
BARCELONA are reportedly scouting FOUR players in the Copa Libertadores final.
River Plate vs Boca Juniors: Fans chant at the Bernabeu
Boca Juniors face River Plate in a crunch second leg of the Copa Libertadores.
The match is being played in Madrid after the second leg of the final was twice postponed due to fan violence.
Barcelona reportedly scouted four players in the first leg last month, which ended 2-2.
AS claimed they are monitoring Exequiel Palacios, Gonzalo Montiel, Agustin Almendra and Leonardo Balerdi.
And it is likely that the scouts will be keeping their eyes on the quartet once again tonight.
Exequiel Palacios
River Plate star Palacios has been tracked by Barcelona in the past but Real Madrid also want the 20-year-old.
River president Rodolfo D'Onofrio confirmed Real’s interest this week, saying: "I wrote to [Madrid president] Florentino Perez a few days ago to thank him for having us at the Bernabeu.
"We are not currently talking about Palacios but about 20 days ago [Madrid director Emilio] Butragueno spoke to Enzo Francescoli about the player, but with a view to continuing negotiations later."
D'Onofrio added: "The economic differences between Real Madrid and River are very large. It's very difficult to retain a player, but history tells us that the player sees a future opportunity and we can't cut his career.
"The club can't be closed and must open themselves up to negotiation. That a player from River goes to Madrid is also prestigious for River."
Gonzalo Montiel
Montiel, 21, only broke into the River first team in 2016 and has played just a handful of games.
He played on the right side of midfield for River in the first leg of the final.
It is claimed scouts watched the player La Bombonera in Buenos Aires.
Agustin Almendra
Boca midfielder Almendra only made his debut for Boca Juniors this year and turned 18 in February.
The Argentina youth star is tipped as one for the future.
Barcelona are said to have entered negations over the teenager in the summer - although no deal has been agreed.
Boca right now do not with to sell their starlet.
Leonardo Balerdi
Boca sensation Balerdi only made his Boca debut in August - but has already impressed in Argentina.
The centre-back was scouted by Real Madrid have scouted him in the past.
Marca claim Real Madrid scout Juni Calafat watched Balerdi in action - and is also interested in Colombian midfielder Wilmar Barrios.
Juventus are also said to have eyed up Balerdi, and alongside Barcelona have gone as far as to offer Boca a deal.
But, like in the case with Almendra, no transfer has yet been agreed.