River Plate president Rodolfo D'Onofrio has clarified that his club and Real Madrid have ‘economic differences’ over the transfer of midfielder Exequiel Palacios.
In October, D'Onofrio accused Madrid of acting ‘dishonestly’ and ‘disrespectfully’ over their pursuit of the midfielder, who has also been linked to Barcelona.
“The economic differences between Real Madrid and River are very large,” D'Onofrio told reporters.
“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.”
The midfielder’s release clause is said to stand at €20m with Los Blancos wanting to agree a five-and-a-half-year contract which will commence in January.
Palacios made his debut for River as a 16-year-old and has recently won two international caps for Argentina, attracting interest from both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City have also been linked with the midfielder which is said to have speeded up Madrid’s pursuit of the deal.
The central midfielder has made just 47 first-team appearances for River although 20 of those have arrived this year, including helping his club to the Copa Libertadores final.
Such a move would represent a continuation of Madrid’s policy of signing young South American players with Brazilian teenagers Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes captured this year.
