Manchester United have reportedly submitted a £17m bid for a midfielder who starred at the 2024 Copa America.
Under the control of minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the Red Devils have been busy in the summer transfer window, with 10 players having already departed - most notable Raphael Varane, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood.
Around £35m has been generated from players sales thus far, while Man United have forked out in excess of £90m on two marquee signings in the form of striker Joshua Zirkzee and defender Leny Yoro.
Manager Erik ten Hag is keen to strengthen his side further and the addition of a new centre-midfielder is thought to be high on the club's agenda.
Recent reports have linked Man United with a summer swoop for Paris Saint-Germain and Uruguay's Manuel Ugarte, who has allegedly agrees terms to join the Red Devils, but another South American midfielder has emerged as a potential target.
© Reuters
Man United suffer blow in Rios pursuit?
According to Goal Brazil, as quoted by The Mirror, Man United have made contact with Palmeiras regarding the availability of midfielder Richard Rios.
The report adds that Ten Hag's side are prepared to pay £17m for the 24-yar-old, but that offer is unlikely to tempt Palmeiras into selling.
It is claimed that the Brazilian giants are under no pressure to sell any of their star players having already offload a number of other promising stars to Real Madrid, Chelsea and West Ham United.
Indeed, Palmeiras will received a fee which could rise to €72m (£60m) from the sale of Endrick to Real Madrid, while Luis Guilherme has joined West Hamm for a reported £25.5m on a five-year deal.
Meanwhile, 17-year-old Estevao Willian has agreed to join Chelsea in the summer of 2025 for fee which could rise to £51m with bonuses.
© Imago
Rios set to stay at Palmeiras?
Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira recently made his stance clear on further transfers, telling reporters: "We have already made a lot of money from sales. Now, we need to focus on alternatives on the field."
A club source, via Goal, has also revealed that Palmeiras will not look to sell Rios this summer, saying: "What is certain is that the club will not negotiate with Rios in this window. It is normal for interested parties to appear, but the club's position on the matter is clear."
Rios has spent the last two seasons with Palmeiras, making 82 appearances in all competitions, and he recently made a name for himself on the continental stage for Colombia at this summer's Copa America.
The defensive midfielder has greatly enhanced his reputation after starring in a Colombia side that reached the final earlier this month, losing 1-0 to defending champions Argentina after extra time.
Rios is also deemed an integral first-team figure for Palmeiras, where he is under contract until December 2026.
Oliver Thomas
