[goldenHuddlestone]

Boca Juniors president Mauricio Macri has named his price in the transfer saga over midfielder Fernando Gago. Real Madrid have publicly declared their interest in the promising midfielder, but Boca say he will not be allowed to leave for less than €25 million.

"You want Gago? Give me 25 million euros," said Macri.

Madrid director Francesco Baldini has been in Buenos Aires negotiating with Boca and city rivals River Plate over the proposed transfers of Gago and striker Gonzalo Higuain, but returned home without striking a deal.

It is believed Madrids mammoth new 1.1 billion euro television rights deal has prompted the Argentinian clubs to push for more, but Baldini has so far refused to budge from offers of 18 million for Gago and 10 million for Higuain.

"We know the market value of Gago and Higuain, and we will not be persuade to make crazy offers," said Baldini.

Another factor counting against Los Merengues is their president Ramon Calderons pledge that both players would arrive in January.

Calderon cannot afford to lose face just months into his tenure by missing out on the youngsters, and Macri is expected to travel to Madrid in the next few days to continue discussions.