Exclusive: Man United Face Spurs, Atletico & Juventus in Race for River Plate Star Lautaro Rivero

Manchester United face competition from a Premier League rival and European suitors in their bid to bring a new South American star to Old Trafford, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

Lautaro Rivero is one of Argentina’s hottest defensive properties and compatriot of Red Devils’ hard man Lisandro Martinez.

United look well blessed with centre backs with Ayden Heaven, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro and Matthijs De Ligt.

However, Dutch giant De Ligt is currently injured and Maguire’s future could be away from Old Trafford when his contract expires in the summer.

And our sources have learnt United have targeted River Plate favourite Rivero and sized him up for a summer switch while Tottenham Hotspur, Atletico Madrid and Juventus have also been monitoring his progress.

STREET VENDOR

The 22-year-old, who spent time as a street vendor before breaking into senior football, has spent his entire career at River Plate except for a loan move to Central Cordoba where he impressed with his work rate and defensive calmness.

He is contracted to River until the end of 2028 meaning United will need to pay a hefty price if they are serious about stiffening up their defence for now and the future.

But it is understood a $100million release clause is well wide of the mark who is still relatively inexperienced.

Rivero first caught the attention of River Plate’s academy scouts as a teenager after impressing in local amateur tournaments in Buenos Aires. 

Coaches quickly noted his natural positional awareness and leadership qualities, traits that saw him fast-tracked through the youth ranks despite stiff competition for places at the famed Argentine club.

His breakthrough season came during his loan spell at Cordoba, where regular first-team football helped refine his decision-making and aerial dominance. 

Rivero became known for his no-nonsense tackling style and calm distribution from the back, earning praise from pundits who compared his defensive temperament to some of Argentina’s more established internationals.

Elsewhere, Manchester United are also bracing themselves for interest in Diogo Dalot, with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich both monitoring the versatile full-back. Madrid view Dalot as a potential solution to their ongoing right-back issues, while Bayern are considering him as a rotation option. Despite the growing attention, United sources insist the Portugal international remains committed to his future at Old Trafford.

HIGH-PRESSURE

Back at Plate, he gradually forced his way into senior contention, often deployed in high-pressure domestic fixtures and continental matches. 

His performances in key games have strengthened his reputation as a dependable option capable of stepping up when required.

Off the pitch, Rivero is regarded as grounded and disciplined, qualities attributed to his modest upbringing and early working life before football became his full-time profession. 

Those close to the player believe his maturity and resilience could ease any transition to European football, making him an increasingly attractive long-term investment for clubs seeking defensive stability.

Meanwhile, United have still to decide about England defender Maguire whose recent form makes him a contender for Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad.

If the Reds don’t offer the former Sheffield United, Hull and Leicester centre half a new deal, he won’t be short of offers. Napoli, Bournemouth, Everton, West Ham and even Liverpool have been touted as possible destinations.