I’m not in competition with Erik Ten Hag but He is trying to push us to what will cause disunity between us”, Pep Guardiola says Man united is trying so hard to highjack another top transfer target from them again
I’m not in competition with Erik Ten Hag but He is trying to push us to what will cause disunity between us”, Pep Guardiola says Man united is trying so hard to highjack another top transfer target from them again
Manchester United are interested in signing Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios in the summer transfer window, according to reports in Brazil.
United are in the market for a midfielder after splashing a combined £94million to sign striker Joshua Zirkzee and defender Leny Yoro. They are targeting Paris Saint-Germain star Manuel Ugarte, but have been told he will cost them £59m, prompting a search for alternatives.
Benfica’s 19-year-old sensation Joao Neves is another player United have scouted and he could be signed for less than his £101m release clause. However, United are casting their net far and wide and Rios has caught their attention after impressing at the Copa America.
Colombia reached the final of South America’s premier competition before being beaten 1-0 by Argentina and Rios was one of their best performers. The 24-year-old scored in their 5-0 win over Panama and combined well with James Rodriguez in Néstor Lorenzo’s midfield.
Goal Brazil reports that United have contacted Palmeiras to ask about his availability, while AC Milan are also in the picture. Erik ten Hag’s side are reportedly ready to offer £17m for Rios, but that is unlikely to tempt Palmeiras into selling.
That is because the Brazilian side are under no pressure to sell, having already offloaded some of their other stars. Palmeiras have sold Endrick to Real Madrid for a fee which could reach €72m (£60m) and have also agreed deals with Chelsea for Estevao Willian and West Ham for Luis Guilherme.
Willian, a 17-year-old wonderkid, will join Chelsea next summer in a deal which could reach £51m. West Ham, meanwhile, have landed Guilherme for £25.5m on a five-year contract, with the 18-year-old joining Julen Loptegui’s side this summer.
That is a lot of talent to give up and Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira has made his stance clear on further deals. “We have already made a lot of money from sales,” he said. “Now, we need to focus on alternatives on the field.”
That position was reiterated by a club source, who told Goal: “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.”
