Nottingham Forest have upped the ante in their pursuit of Richard Rios by sending a representative to watch the Palmeiras star in action at the Club World Cup ahead of potentially looking to tempt him to the City Ground during the summer transfer window, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
The Tricky Trees raided the Brazilian top flight less than 12 months ago, thanks to goalkeeper Carlos Miguel completing a £4million switch from Corinthians in July, and head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has set his sights on securing more South American talent in preparation for next season.
Harry Toffolo is among the names poised to leave Nottingham Forest, with it being confirmed that he will officially head through the exit door when his contract expires at the end of June, but there is a strong desire behind the scenes to make big-name additions after qualifying for the UEFA Conference League.
Tricky Trees Up Ante in Pursuit of Rios Swoop
Club representative runs rule over midfielder at Club World Cup
Richard Rios in action for Palmeiras
Nottingham Forest are plotting an ambitious move to sign Rios, according to GMS sources, and they publicly declared their interest by sending a representative to keep tabs on his performance during Palmeiras' Club World Cup opener against Portuguese heavyweights Porto last weekend.
But the Tricky Trees will have to splash the cash in order to stand a chance of recruiting the Colombia international as there have been suggestions that he has a release clause worth in the region of £85million written into his contract, meaning that his current employers are in a strong negotiating position.
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.
Richard Rios' statistics for Palmeiras vs Porto
Although the central midfielder's deal is not due to expire until the end of 2028, leading to the Midlands outfit being in danger of having an uphill battle to reach an agreement for his signature, it has been acknowledged that his head could be turned by the opportunity to take his career in another direction.
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.
Premier League Rivals Also Interested in Rios
Colombia international being monitored ahead of possible offers
Richard Rios in action for Palmeiras
GMS sources have been told that Nottingham Forest are at risk of facing stiff competition from Premier League rivals for Rios' signature as Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have been among the sides continuing to track his progress after the summer transfer window reopened for business earlier this week.
The 25-year-old's physicality and determination to protect his side's backline have resulted in him being described as a 'freak athlete' by scout Ben Mattinson, while it has also led to Palmeiras being forced to contend with their fan favourite being the subject of widespread interest as they go in search of Club World Cup glory.
Rios is among the tournament's most watched big-names as suitors are aiming to lure him to Europe for the first time in his career, GMS sources understand, and Nottingham Forest were one of up to 10 sides to send scouts to monitor his performance in the goalless draw with Porto.
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GMS sources recently revealed that the Tricky Trees could opt to reignite their interest in Douglas Luiz as Serie A giants Juventus have decided to put the Brazilian up for sale and will entertain proposals in the region of £30million as they aim to get him off their books ahead of next season.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 17/06/2025
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