Aston Villa in mix with Euro giants for signing – Real threat of losing player in January

Aston Villa have their eyes set on River Plate’s Lautaro Rivero for the winter market.

That’s according to Soy del Millo, who covers Aston Villa’s interest in a report that focuses mainly on FC Porto.

The centre-back returned to the club in June after a loan spell at Central Córdoba and has played 16 matches for River Plate this year.

Although he hasn’t played a lot, his performances have caught the attention of several European clubs, including Aston Villa. This also helped him make his debut for Argentina in October.

The South American club are keeping a close watch on Porto’s efforts to try and secure the 22-year-old’s services.

Porto aren’t the only threat for River Plate. It’s claimed their management are on alert because Aston Villa, Inter Milan and Atlético Madrid are also in the mix.

Soy del Millo claims the ‘threat of an imminent transfer’ in January has seen River Plate manager Marcelo Gallardo take action. He’s identified San Lorenzo’s Gastón Hernández as an option to replace him.

Earlier claims from Argentine reported of Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in Rivero. Spurs, however, aren’t mentioned in the latest report. Rivero has a €100m clause but could be sold for a fee much less than that.