Real Madrid interested in Argentine keeper Augusto Batalla, confirms River Plate president

River Plate president Rodolfo D'Onofrio has confirmed Real Madrid are interested in signing their goalkeeper Augusto Batalla.

The 18-year-old came up through the ranks of the Argentine club's youth setup and is believed to be one of the country's upcoming prospects. He has already made his debut for Argentina U20's, despite not featuring for River Plate's first team.

Real secured the services of Norwegian wonder kid Martin Odegaard on Wednesday. The La Liga outfit are already tracking the teenager as they look to secure his services. D'Onofrio claims it will be hard for River Plate to hold on to the player if Real want to sign him.

"Real Madrid want him. It remains to be seen if River can hold on to him but I'm not sure if they can," D'Onofrio said, as quoted by Spanish paper AS.

Real have the services of Iker Casillas and Keylor Navas as the two keepers in the squad. The Spain international's contract runs out in 2017, when he turns 36. At the same time, Navas will turn 31 and the Spanish capital club are looking for a young stopper.

Casillas has expressed his desire to play at Santiago Bernabeu till his current deal expires, despite revealing that he considered his future at Real last summer.

The 10-time English champions are keen on signing Manchester United star David De Gea. The Madrid-born stopper's agent has dropped a hint that his client could return to Spain, suggesting an exit from Old Trafford could be on the cards.

However, with Real's interest in Batalla confirmed, it will come as a massive boost for Louis van Gaal and his side in their bid to keep De Gea at the club. The Spain international's contract with his current employers runs out in 2016 and has not signed an extension.

The former Netherlands coach remains confident that United's No 1 will sign a contract extension. Should he put pen to paper, it will help the Red Devils to fend off interest from Real in their ongoing pursuit of De Gea.