Manchester United learn €15m starting price for Santiago Beltrán as River Plate expect exit

Manchester United have reportedly been given a clearer indication of what it could take to sign River Plate goalkeeper Santiago Beltrán.

United have already made enquiries about the 21-year-old, and reports from Argentina now claim River would begin negotiations at around €15m (£13m).

More significantly, there is a growing expectation at River that Beltrán will eventually leave the club.

According to TyC Sports, River believe Beltrán’s days at the club are “numbered” amid growing European interest.

Atlético Madrid are currently considering the Argentine as a potential long-term successor to Jan Oblak, although there has reportedly been no contact between Atlético and River.

Manchester United have already asked about Beltrán, meaning River’s reported valuation provides an indication of what would be required if their interest becomes more serious.

The Argentine club are said to view €15m (£13m) as the starting point for negotiations, rather than necessarily a fixed asking price.

Beltrán’s current River contract expires in December 2027, and the club are working to extend it.

However, the proposed renewal is reportedly designed partly to protect River financially ahead of a potential transfer.

Rather than indicating that Beltrán will definitely remain in Argentina long term, TyC Sports says River want to ensure they receive an appropriate fee when an offer eventually arrives.

There is reportedly a belief inside the club that such an offer is only a matter of time.

River are even considering possible successors, with Bono and Agustín Rossi mentioned as options. No move has yet been made for either goalkeeper.

For Manchester United, the situation is therefore becoming clearer. They face competition, particularly from Atlético Madrid, but River appear increasingly prepared for Beltrán to leave.

There is no Manchester United bid or formal negotiation reported at this stage. Their involvement remains at the enquiry stage.

River will continue trying to extend Beltrán’s contract, but that should not necessarily be interpreted as the end of Manchester United’s chances.

The reported intention is to strengthen River’s negotiating position before a potential sale, particularly with Beltrán’s existing deal expiring in December 2027.

The next significant step would be for United or Atlético Madrid to move beyond enquiries and make direct contact over a transfer.

If United decide to do that, they now have a reported starting figure: around €15m.