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Real Madrid told HOW to complete transfer swoop after Copa Libertadores meeting
REAL MADRID did NOT pursue transfer targets Exequiel Palacios or Juan Fernando Quintero during the Copa Libertadores final - but River Plate’s president admits one deal may well go through.
The Argentine club have left open the possibility of a future deal for Palacios if Real are patient.
Real Madrid played host to the Copa Libertadores final second leg between River and Boca Juniors on Sunday.
River won the clash 3-1 after extra time to secure a famous victory in South America’s equivalent of the Champions League.
Reports before kick off suggested both Real Madrid and Barcelona had scouts at the match to watch their top transfer targets in action.
If they want him, the best Madrid and Palacios could do would be to wait a bit more
Both Palacios and Quintero have been linked with a move to Real in recent weeks.
But while River president Rodolfo D'Onofrio confirmed he did speak to his Real Madrid counterpart Florentino Perez on Sunday, he outlined that transfers were not discussed.
"Yesterday I was talking to Florentino Perez,” he said on Monday.
“But we did not discuss anything about Palacios.
“At this moment there is nothing for him or Quintero.
“We only contemplate the departure of (Gonzalo) Martinez.”
Martinez, 25, will join Atlanta United but River are desperate to keep their other two stars.
D’Onofrio then added: “The only thing we talked with Real Madrid about was (club legends) Emilio Butragueno and Enzo Francescoli.
“They talked about a player but we agreed to speak about it later.
“I guess those talks will happen now if they are interested.
“If they want him, the best Madrid and Palacios could do would be to wait a bit more.”
Midfielder Palacios made his Real debut in 2015 and boasts two caps for Argentina.
The 20-year-old has proved a hit in the Argentine top flight and has clubs tracking his services.
As for Quintero, the 25-year-old playmaker is a seasoned Colombia international and is currently on loan at River Plate from Porto.
River have a £4.5m purchase option on Quintero but the club are yet to exercise it.