We study the nature of short-range magnetic interactions observed in the paramagnetic phase of colossal magnetoresistance compounds. Our results reveal that ferromagnetic-like interaction between Mn ions cannot be explained by the conventional double exchange mechanism. The results show evidence that the eg electrons are localized in Mn3+ ions regardless the introduction of holes leading to ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic superexchange-like interactions. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.