Manchester United have made initial contact for River Plate goalkeeper Santiago Beltran, according to ESPN Argentina journalist Gustavo Yarroch.
Man United signed a new goalkeeper in Karl Darlow on a free transfer from Leeds United this summer, and he made his debut against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup third round.
The Welshman was far from convincing between the sticks, and United may ideally want a better option to compete with Senne Lammens for the goalkeeping role in the Premier League and Champions League games.
Yarroch now reports that United have enquired regarding the services of Beltran whose contract at River expires in December next year. The Argentine outfit are currently holding talks over a renewal with the player.
However, there is anticipation that he will eventually end up in European football with Inter Milan likewise keen.
Huge talent
Beltran is only 21 years of age. He has had his breakthrough during the 2026 season at River Plate and has already accumulated 39 appearances across all competitions.
The youngster has fared well with a save success rate of 70 percent in the Argentine top-flight. He has completed 70 percent of his passes and has impressed with his strong reflexes.
There is still plenty of room for improvement, but Beltran has shown that he can be a quality shot-stopper with his good handling and aerial presence from set-pieces in his own box.
United may see him as a direct competitor to Lammens, who has been United’s undisputed choice in the league since his debut last year.
Still, there are question marks over the Belgian’s ability from long-range shots. He has stood standstill in many situations when he could have dived and got to the ball with his reach.
Darlow was signed as a deputy over the summer, but he is almost 36 and could be demoted as the third-choice next season if a new signing were to arrive to compete with Lammens.
Meanwhile, Tom Heaton renewed his contract for another year, but it is likely that he will call time on his United career at the end of the season to take up a coaching role at the club.
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