Manchester United have reportedly been given a boost in their pursuit of Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios.
The 24-year-old was linked with a move to Man United over the summer, but the Red Devils instead put their full focus into securing the signature of Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain.
Midfield remains a problematic area for the 20-time English champions, though, with Christian Eriksen out of contract next year, and Casemiro widely expected to depart at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
Should the right opportunity arrive, it is believed that Man United could enter the January transfer market for a new midfielder, with Rios believed to be one of the players on their radar.
According to CaughtOffside, Palmeiras have signalled that they would be willing to let the midfielder leave for just €20m (£16.7m) during the winter window.
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Man United 'eyeing January move for Rios'
The Colombia international made the move to Palmeiras from Guarani in 2023, and he has represented his current side on 94 occasions, scoring five goals and registering four assists in the process.
Rios has a contract with his current team until December 2028, having only recently signed an extension, but the Green and Whites would not be in a position to turn down a sizeable offer.
Fulham, Everton, Wolverhampton Wanderers and AC Milan are also believed to be keen on Rios, with a number of clubs believed to have scouts watching his performances.
Rios was in strong form for Colombia at the Copa America, playing a leading role in his country reaching the final, and he is thought to have been a serious alternative to Ugarte for Man United over the summer.
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Will Man United enter the January transfer market?
There are currently a lot of unknowns at Man United due to the managerial situation, with Erik ten Hag's future being discussed by senior figures at the club, including minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
The Red Devils have made their worst-ever start to a Premier League campaign, picking up just eight points from their opening seven matches to sit down in 14th spot in the table.
In football, though, things can change quickly, and Man United are capable of putting a strong run of form together, and their squad could then potentially be boosted at the start of 2025.
January is a difficult window, but the Red Devils have previously used the market to sign the likes of Patrice Evra, Nemanja Vidic and Bruno Fernandes, and Rios could be a real bargain for the club considering his qualities, while a mid-season move may open the door for Casemiro to depart.
Matt Law
