Manchester United’s anticipated swoop for Richard Rios appears to have taken a “big hit” if reports from Italy are to be trusted.
While scouting for reinforcements at the FIFA Club World Cup, United reportedly had Rios firmly on their radar.
Ruben Amorim is said to be targeting a dynamic midfielder to inject energy into his engine room, and the Palmeiras’ midfield metronome seemed a perfect fit.
A player with sharp defensive instincts who offers just as much going forward, Rios once again impressed on the international stage this summer, just as he did at last year’s Copa America.
His pinpoint passing and excellent dribbling skills drew praise, with many feeling he is ready for a high-profile move to a top European club.
United fans would have welcomed a decisive bid to bring him in, but that now looks unlikely.
Roma close in on Palmeiras star
Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport has dropped an interesting update on the midfielder’s future.
According to their report, AS Roma are close to completing the transfer.
They are ready to match Palmeiras’ €30 million (£25.9 million) valuation with an offer of €28 million (£24.2 million) plus €3 million (£2.5 million) in add-ons.
CDS says, “Roma are one step away from signing Rios, the midfielder favoured by Gasperini. On Tuesday evening, Ricky Massara informed Palmeiras that Roma are prepared to meet their €30 million valuation.”
While there are also intermediary fees still to settle, the expectation is that this will not be a stumbling block.
Can Man United hijack the deal?
CDS reiterates that Rios has already chosen Roma and agreed to a five-year contract worth €2 million (£1.7 million) per season.
Roma are so confident in landing him that they have booked his medical for this week, with the Colombian expected to make the long-haul journey to the Italian capital.
“Roma have already booked a slot at Campus Biomedico, the facility they use for player health checks, to conduct Rios’ medical before the end of this week—an intercontinental journey now looks imminent.”
Would United matching the offer change his mind and tempt him towards Old Trafford over the Stadio Olimpico?
We will likely never know the answer to that. With Roma moving swiftly, INEOS may need to pivot to alternative options.
Names like Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Andre and Atalanta’s Ederson (both also linked) could now come into sharper focus as the Red Devils respond to the disappointing Rios pursuit.
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Daniel Onguko
Since Dan was introduced to Manchester United in 2008, he has lived and breathed the club. What started as being a fan evolved into writing about United, allowing him to feel part of their journey. Hopefully, his work might even help rekindle your love for the kings of Manchester.
