Madrid, March 14 (IANS): Real Madrid will sign Argentine football cub River Plate's 18-year-old goalkeeper Augusto Batalla in the summer.

The news was confirmed by River Plate president Rodolfo D'Onofrio. D'Onofrio said that the Argentinean U-21 international would join the Spanish club at in June, reports Xinhua.

"The contract still has not been signed but in June Batalla will go on loan to Real Madrid for a year, with an option for them to buy him at a high price," he said.

Real Madrid's idea is for Batalla, who is considered one of the most promising young goalkeepers in his country, will play for Real's B team which is currently attempting to win promotion to the Spanish second division, (Liga Adelante), whilst training with the first team.

Meanwhile Real coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed on Saturday that Costa Rica international Keylor Navas will play in goal when his side entertain Levante on Sunday night.

Navas has not played since Real were knocked out of the King's Cup, but goalkeeper Iker Casillas' poor display in Tuesday's 3-4 home defeat against FC Schalke 04 saw him receive a lot of criticism for his display.