Real Madrid are close to completing the signing of River Plate star Franco Mastantuono, sources have told ESPN, with the playmaker expected to arrive in August, after playing for River at the Club World Cup.

Franco Mastantuono has quickly become one of the most talked-about young footballers in the world. The 17-year-old River Plate talent has impressed many with his maturity and ability on the ball and

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) -Real Madrid have agreed to sign River Plate's young forward Franco Mastantuono for an initial fee of about $45 million, a spokesman for the Argentine club told Reuters on Thursday.