River Plate president confirms Real Madrid approach for Mascherano

River Plate president Jose Maria Aguilar has confirmed Real Madrid have approached them for Javier Mascherano.

"Yes, it is true. I received a call from Emilio Butragueño, the sports director of Real Madrid, and he told me that his club had interest in making contact with Mascherano to speak about his future," revealed Aguilar.

"But no new developments have since taken place."

Real are staying tightlipped over the deal, well aware that Barcelona, Deportivo La Coruna and Arsenal are also keen on the 21 year-old.

The Madrid giants are believed to have struck a deal with River for Mascherano, but nothing will be made public until personal terms are agreed.