Real Madrid reach River Plate deal for Mascherano

Real Madrid have struck an agreement with River Plate for midfielder Javier Mascherano.

The 21 year-old Argentina international will move to Real Madrid when the transfer window reopens in January.

Real sports chief Emilio Butragueno struck the agreement with River president Jose Maria Aguilar, though AS says nothing will be made public until the very last minute.

The deal will be worth £6 million and to avoid a supporter backlash, Aguilar has insisted Real do not go public until January.

Terms still must be settled with the player, though Mascherano admitted last week that he'd welcome a move to Real Madrid.