Report: Tottenham could now sign Copa America finalist with £84m release clause for less than £20m
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Tottenham Hotspur have already made one signing in the January transfer window and more could follow in the next two weeks.
Tottenham want three more signings through the door this month after bringing goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky in from Slavia Prague earlier in January.
Midfield is an area Tottenham could look to strengthen, with the likes of Johnny Cardoso, Nicolo Fagioli and Davide Frattesi on the Spurs radar.
Now, a report from Colombia has claimed that Spurs are after a Copa America finalist who was in the sights of Manchester United last summer.
Tottenham quoted £16.5m for Colombia midfielder Richard Rios
The player in question is Richard Rios, who plies his trade for Brazilian giants Palmeiras and the Colombia national team.
CaughtOffside reported earlier this week that Tottenham have seen a bid for Rios turned down by Palmeiras this month.
Colombian outlet Caracol Radio have now reported that Palmeiras are open to negotiations for the 24-year-old, with $20million (£16.5million) as the base price.
Rios, who Ange Postecoglou is said to be really keen on signing, has a €100million (£84million) release clause in his contract, which runs until 2028.
As well as Tottenham, the likes of Everton and Nottingham Forest are said to be keen on the 19-cap Colombia international.
What Richard Rios could bring to Tottenham
Rios has been described by CaughtOffside as a ‘tough-tackling, ball-playing central midfielder’ who boasts good ‘command of his area of the pitch’.
Manchester United were previously credited with an interest in Rios, Rudy Galetti reporting last summer that the Red Devils had approached the player.
Goal.com published a factfile about Rios in wake of Man United’s interest in him as he helped Colombia reach the 2024 Copa America final.
The outlet noted how Rios completed 18 dribbles during the tournament, more than any other player.
They added: ‘The 24-year-old is an accomplished ball carrier, and he was a real threat for Colombia on the right of their midfield three as he bombed on whenever James moved into central positions.
‘Rios is also adept at breaking up play, ranking third for ball recoveries in the midfield third at the Copa.
‘He covered every blade of grass and his relentless pressing was a big reason for their success on the transition.’
"Richard Rios has not reached his ceiling,” head coach Nestor Lorenzo told the outlet when asked about the player’s impact. “He will grow a lot and will give us a lot.”
