The Spanish champions are keen to keep abreast of the best talents on the continent and are planning on watching the best young talents in each respective country in action first hand in order to gain a more accurate appraisal as to their ability.

To that end, Pep Segura and Ramon Planes will travel to Latin America to watch the Copa Libertadores semi-finals in person, with River Plate set to take on Gremio Porto Alegre and Boca Juniors due to face Palmeiras.

According to 'AS', there are three names that have already attracted their attention prior to the visit: Palmeiras' Eduardo da Silva 'Vitao', Boca Juniors' Agustín Almendra and River Plate's Gonzalo Montiel.

Brazilian Vitao is an 18-year-old defender who despite his tender years has already established himself in the Palmeiras side thanks to his powerful frame. Standing at a little over six foot tall he is able to impose himself on opposition forwards.

The right-footer tends to line up as a left-sided centre-half, but his versatility means he can also be deployed in defensive midfield. A Brazil U20 international, Vitao has also shown his defnesive discipline and maturity on the international stage.

Next on the list is 18-year-old Almendra. A central midfielder with Boca in the Argentine top flight, he has also been loosely linked with a move to Valencia.

Almendra has made six appearances for his club so far this season and has already demonstrated his leadership skills by being handed the armband in the Argentina youth ranks.

Finally, there is Gonzalo Montiel. At 21 he is slightly older than the other two, but his impressive performances for River have seen him become a man in demand.

Along with Almendra, Montiel has also been linked with Valencia. A defender that is equally adept at centre-back or right-back, big things are expected of the youngster.

Vitão

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