Copa Libertadores 'SuperFinal' set to be final showcase for River Plate starlet Exequiel Palacios ahead of Real Madrid move

Real Madrid have already been in discussions with River over the 20-year-old midfielder, the club's president admitted

Exequiel Palacios is destined for greater things, possibly at Real Madrid (AFP/Getty Images)

As final auditions go, there could barely be a bigger stage for Exequiel Palacios to show what he can do.

The 20-year-old midfielder has had an impressive season for River Plate and looks certain to be the next player off the Millionarios' world-famous conveyor belt of talent. For Palacios, though, the ultimate European move might just be on the horizon.

When news of Real Madrid's interest in the player emerged, River were initially furious. Negotiations had been taking place between senior officials from both clubs but nothing had been agreed, despite the outline of what any deal to sell the wonderkid would look like having been established by River some time ago.

Marca, reporting from the Madrid end last week, claimed that the Bernabeu club had beaten off competition from PSG and Manchester City, now one of the most active teams in South America, to sign Palacios.

River Plate's president Rodolfo D'Onofrio denied that the transaction was complete but his admissions suggested a deal is not far way.

"He has not been sold, but there is an interest from Real Madrid in Palacios," said D'Onofrio.

"The Real Madrid sporting director spoke to [River sporting director Enzo] Francescoli regarding their interest in the player and we will speak again, but he hasn't been sold."

Palacios has impressed for River Plate (Getty)

Sources at the club say the transfer will be rubber-stamped this winter, meaning Palacios has not just a Copa Libertadores trophy in his sights but a move to the biggest football club on the planet.

If that is not already enough motivation to perform well and inspire River to a win on Saturday then you need only add in the fact that Boca Juniors, River's greatest rivals, are the opponent.

It will be one hell of a game for all of those involved, a 'SuperFinal' never seen in football history. But for Palacios, just at the start of his career, it could be a deciding factor in where his bright future in the game takes him next.