Manchester United are continuing to monitor Richard Rios but facing increasing pressure from Premier League rivals for the Palmeiras midfielder, according to a report.
United are searching for reinforcements in the centre of the pitch after Ruben Amorim identified the need for an athletic number eight to bolster his midfield unit.
Neither Casemiro nor Kobbie Mainoo possess the requisite physicality to match Amorim’s demands from his central pivot, while Christian Eriksen is set to leave the club as his contact expires and Toby Collyer may leave on loan.
This leaves talismanic captain Bruno Fernandes, traditionally a number ten, and Manuel Ugarte, who previously played under Amorim at Sporting but has struggled to adapt to the intensity of English football following his £42 million from Paris-Saint Germain last summer.
The need for a new midfielder is evident; and Rios presents the exact profile United’s head coach has demanded the club recruit.
The 25-year-old Colombia international is a “freak athlete” with a potent pairing of strength and size, while retaining surprising mobility for a 6’2 midfielder. He provides excellent cover to his defensive line while offering line-breaking charges in transition.
United are interested in Atalanta midfielder Ederson, who offers a similar selection of attributes to Rios. But the Italian club are believed to be demanding in excess of £50 million for their midfield dynamo, leading the Red Devils to consider Rios as a cheaper alternative.
Despite his contract with Palmeiras containing an £85 million release clause, reports suggest the Brazilian side would entertain offers around the £20 million mark.
And with United’s budget this summer set to be directed towards the misfiring forward line, a cheaper deal for a new midfielder is an attractive propositon.
However, GIVEMESPORT reveals Nottingham Forest are planning an “ambitious move” for Rios and have dispatched scouts to watch the 25-year-old in action in the Club World Cup this month in America.
“GMS sources have been informed that Nottingham Forest embarked on a scouting mission to assess Rios and, having seen him shine in Palmeiras’ stalemate with Porto, they are weighing up whether to take their interest further as they aim to upgrade their squad after sealing European qualification.
“Nottingham Forest’s transfer plans have involved attempting to identify talent outside of Europe, GMS sources have learned, and Rios has worked his way onto their radar as his control and dominance in the middle of the park have improved at the same time as he has been reading the game and showcasing his technical brilliance when in possession.”
But the report also reveals United are “among the sides continuing to track [Rios’] progress after the summer transfer window reopened for business earlier this week,” along with Premier League rival Tottenham Hotspur.
If the Reds want to strike a deal for the Colombian midfield general, they will need to act quickly to secure his signature, or else one of their domestic competitors will get there first.
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Darragh Fox
Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
