Palacios signing to be made official after the Club World Cup Transfer Market - Real Madrid Real Madrid return to South American market

River Plate's triumph in the Copa Libertadores final has slightly delayed the official announcement, but Real Madrid intend to confirm the signing of Exequiel Palacios after the Club World Cup.

Los Blancos' interest in the Argentine is long-standing, and the operation will continue the club's desire to monopolise the market for outstanding young talents before they develop into 100 million euro players.

Boca Juniors still intend to contest the outcome of the second leg of the Libertadores final in the Spanish capital, however, as things stand right now it will be River Plate who join the European champions in the Abu Dhabi showpiece in December.

The only aspect of the deal which remains undecided is just when Palacios will join up with the Spanish giants.

Real Madrid hope to have him available from January, although the Buenos Aires club would ideally like to keep him for as long as possible.