Manchester United are keeping tabs on Richard Rios and are contemplating whether to attempt to win the race for the Palmeiras star's signature if it becomes clear that completing a switch to Old Trafford would be possible when the transfer window reopens, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
Red Devils head coach Ruben Amorim has already set his sights on landing Matheus Cunha ahead of next season, with the Wolverhampton Wanderers talisman confirming his desire to join ahead of club-to-club negotiations, but there is determination to bring in further reinforcements.
Influential figures behind the scenes have also held face-to-face discussions with Liam Delap over a potential move to Manchester United, after Ipswich Town gave permission for the striker to open conversations ahead of his expected departure, but Rios is on their radar as an additional possible acquisition.
Red Devils Feel Rios Could be Allowed to Join
Colombia international may be landed for less than release clause
Richard Rios in action for Palmeiras
Manchester United are considering making a move to sign Rios this summer, according to GMS sources, and there is a feeling that he will be given the green-light to leave Palmeiras if a suitable proposal is put on the table after he has been gaining widespread interest ahead of the transfer window reopening for business.
Although there have been suggestions that the central midfielder has a release clause worth close to £85million written into his contract, the Red Devils and other suitors have discovered that his current employers will be prepared to sanction his departure for significantly less than that figure.
GMS sources have been informed that Rios has a price tag in the region of £20million and, having enjoyed a productive season in his current surroundings, Manchester United will soon make a final decision on whether to up the ante in their pursuit after he has remained a subject of interest.
Richard Rios' statistics for Palmeiras this season
The 24-year-old Colombia international has been described as a 'freak athlete' and could prove to be Manuel Ugarte's regular partner in the middle of the park if he is given the opportunity to join the Red Devils, who are gunning for silverware in the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday.
Rios is more defensively inclined than Kobbie Mainoo, who Amorim is planning to play further forward than previously expected, and GMS sources have learned that the transfer target would be handed a deeper role in the event of completing a summer switch to Manchester United.
Rios Would be Cheaper Option Than Ederson
Amorim making contingency plans due to uncertainty over budget
Richard Rios in action for Palmeiras
GMS sources have been told that Rios has been pinpointed as an alternative to Ederson, who has been Manchester United's dream midfield addition, as they have decided to make contingency plans ahead of potentially missing out on Champions League qualification and there is ongoing uncertainty over the amount of cash that will be generated from sales.
The latter will reportedly cost in excess of £63million after remaining one of the first names on the team sheet for Serie A giants Atalanta, meaning that the Red Devils could be forced to look in another direction for an acquisition as they prepare to show caution in the transfer market.
Manchester United have been long-term admirers of Rios, with GMS sources understanding that scouts and recruitment staff are fans of his strong work rate, technical ability and propensity to progress the ball from deep, but it has been acknowledged that they are in danger of facing competition from sides across Europe.
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The youngster was believed to have great potential that he never truly fulfilled.
GMS sources recently revealed that the Red Devils may also attempt to recruit Bryan Mbeumo from Premier League rivals Brentford in the coming months, highlighting Amorim's eagerness to secure fresh attacking impetus from the flanks as well as another presence in front of the backline.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 21/05/2025
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