Barcelona have reportedly sent scouts to watch River Plate's 20-year-old midfielder Exequiel Palacios in action.

The Spanish champions are due to watch him feature in River Plate's clash with Gremio on Tuesday and have already scouted him while on international duty for Argentina, according to Sport. 

The youngster's agent, Renato Corsi, has said there has been plenty of interest in Palacios, per the report.

"Loads of intermediaries have contacted me but nothing is sealed. We sit down with River Plate because they want to raise his release clause to 30 million euros," he said. "We have had just one chat and not decided anything."

Barcelona are not the only club to have been linked with a move for Palacios. La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid are also keen on the midfielder, according to Jorge Garcia at AS. 

Football writer Peter Coates said he'd be perfect for Diego Simeone's side:

Serie A side Inter Milan are another club interested in the Argentinian, according to TyC Sports (h/t Giacomo Iacobellis at Tuttomercatoweb).

The 20-year-old is already an important player for River Plate and has featured at international level with Argentina. He made his debut for La Albiceleste in September's 3-0 friendly win over Guatemala.

EiF Soccer said he impressed for Lionel Scaloni's side:

Palacios initially caught the eye as an attacking winger for River. However, he's a versatile player who can perform a number of midfield roles and has developed into more of a box-to-box midfielder. 

His work rate, ability to press and intensity are key strengths. Yet he also possesses good vision, uses the ball intelligently and rarely wastes a pass.

His performances appear to have caught the eye of some of Europe's biggest clubs, and it's understandable River Plate wish to increase his release clause.

Barcelona hardly lack for midfield options and strengthened in the summer by bringing in Arthur from Gremio. The Brazilian has settled in well at the Camp Nou and is quickly becoming a key player.

Ernesto Valverde's side may be considering further midfield options as they look to the future. Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic both turned 30 in 2018 and replacements will be needed at some point.