Boca Juniors are intensifying their pursuit of Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Gago.

Telam says Boca have received encouragement from Real about the prospect of a loan deal being struck for Gago for 2010.

Gago is desperate to leave Real for regular first team football, despite playing a rare 90 minutes in Sunday's victory over Real Mallorca.

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is also keen on the Argentina international.