Nottingham Forest are said to have scouted Richard Rios in action at the Club World Cup as they ponder a summer swoop for the Palmeiras star.
The Reds have been monitoring the midfielder for some time. They were first linked with him 12 months ago and were then said to have reignited their interest in January.
It seems they are now eyeing him up once again as they look to strengthen Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad for the 2025/26 campaign. But they could face some stiff competition for the 25-year-old.
Forest are said to be “plotting an ambitious move” for Rios. According to GIVEMESPORT, the Reds have “upped the ante” in their pursuit of the Colombian by sending a representative to America to watch him at the Club World Cup.
Running the rule over Rios first-hand is seen as Forest “publicly declaring their interest” in the player. If they want to snap him up, however, it will come at a cost.
Rios is said to have a release clause worth in the region of £85 million in his Palmeiras contract. He is tied to the Brazilian club until the end of 2028 but it is claimed his “head could be turned” by the chance to ply his trade elsewhere.
If he does look to move on, the Colombia international will not be short of options. The Reds could face a battle to secure his signature.
Up to 10 clubs are said to have sent scouts to watch him in the FIFA tournament. Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are also said to be keen on the midfielder, with the former weighing up whether to “lodge a proposal”.
Aside from a loan stint with Mexican outfit Mazatlan, Rios has spent much of his career in Brazil. He came up through the ranks at Flamengo and has also played for Guarani. He joined Palmeiras in March 2023.
Forest will assess their options in the centre of the pitch as they prepare for the upcoming season. Brazilian Danilo, who made the switch to the City Ground from Palmeiras in 2023, could be on the move as he is wanted by Lyon and Besiktas. Meanwhile, there is uncertainty over when Nicolas Dominguez will return to action after he sustained an injury on the final day of the 2024/25 campaign.
The Reds are yet to add to their squad this summer. However, they are expected to complete deals for Botafogo duo Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha after their participation in the Club World Cup.
Would Rios be a good signing for the Reds? Click HERE to have your say