Juventus on outer as Mascherano talks with Real Madrid

Juventus are on the outer as Real Madrid pursue River Plate midfielder Javier Mascherano.

Juve had planned to land the Argentina international next summer, but Real have moved quickly and are closing in on a deal for January.

River vice-president José María Aguilar confirmed: "The negotiations with Real are going well."

"For us, it is positive that the player wants to stay at least until December, and also in Spain they are of agreement. We are two clubs that respect eachother and there is an optimal base for the negotiations."