Real Madrid reach agreement to sign Augusto Batalla

Real Madrid have reached an agreement with River Plate for Argentina under-20 goalkeeper Augusto Batalla, according to the Spanish publication AS. Batalla is rated the best goalkeeping prospect in the country and an official announcement from both clubs is expected before the Spanish transfer window closes.

The reigning Club World Cup and European champions have been looking to secure the signature of the budding talent in recent weeks. Just a few days ago, River Plate president Rodolfo D’Onofrio mentioned it would be difficult for his club to hold on to the shot-stopping prospect.

“Real Madrid want him. We will have to see if River can hold on to him,” D’Onofrio said earlier this week.

With Iker Casillas adamant that he will remain at the club until his contract expires in June 2017 and Kaylor Navas signed to a long-term deal, Madrid officials see Batalla – who turns 19 in April – as the La Liga giant’s potential number one goalkeeper down the line.

The signing of the Argentinian teenager will also provide Real Madrid with a fallback option, should they be unable to pry David de Gea away from Manchester United.