Real Madrid win option on Boca Juniors star trio.

Boca Juniors' rejection of a Barcelona bid for Rodrigo Palacio may be linked to the Argentine club's new relationship with Real Madrid.

After turning down a �13 million bid from Barca for the striker, Boca president Mauricio Macri revealed Real had negotiated first option on three of their players - defenders Matias Cahais and Jonatan Maidana plus midfielder Ever Banega.

"Before we sell, Real Madrid have the opportunity to match any offer for them," confirmed Macri.

Macri is close friends with Real director Franco Baldini and worked with the Madrid club's powerbrokers over the sale of Fernando Gago last week.