Premier League clubs face Santiago Beltrán setback as River Plate close in on renewal

Aston Villa and Manchester United could face a tougher challenge to sign Santiago Beltrán after River Plate made significant progress towards securing the goalkeeper's future.

Both Premier League clubs have reportedly made enquiries about the 22-year-old in recent months, but neither has submitted a formal offer.

According to Bolavip Argentina, River Plate are now confident Beltrán will sign a new contract, strengthening their position ahead of the January transfer window.

Beltrán's current contract runs until December 2027, with River Plate working on an extension amid growing interest from European clubs.

Bolavip reports that negotiations are progressing positively and that the Argentine club expect the goalkeeper to commit his future.

“Although there have been enquiries, there still hasn’t been a formal offer from abroad. River’s idea is to renew him so that he stays with the squad for a long time,” the report states.

Manchester United and Aston Villa are specifically identified among the interested clubs, while Juventus have also been linked with the goalkeeper.

However, River Plate's priority remains keeping Beltrán rather than negotiating his departure.

Previous reports from TyC Sports suggested River Plate were increasingly concerned about losing Beltrán to a European club.

Those reports also indicated that €15m (£13m) could represent the starting point for negotiations during the next transfer window.

The latest update does not establish a revised asking price or rule out a future transfer.

Instead, River Plate appear determined to secure a stronger negotiating position before any formal bids arrive.

A new contract would provide additional protection against interested clubs attempting to sign Beltrán on favourable terms.

For Aston Villa and Manchester United, the situation remains at an early stage. Both have reportedly explored the possibility of a transfer, but neither has taken the next step with an official proposal.

River Plate will look to finalise Beltrán's contract extension before the January transfer window. Aston Villa and Manchester United must decide whether to formalise their interest, potentially facing more difficult negotiations if the goalkeeper signs a new deal.