Tottenham Hotspur are tracking Richard Rios at the Club World Cup and have refused to rule out attempting to win the race for the Palmeiras star's signature as newly-appointed head coach Thomas Frank sets his sights on upgrading his current options at Hotspur Way, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
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Spurs completed the permanent acquisition of Mathys Tel last weekend, thanks to an agreement in the region of £30million being reached with reigning Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich following a productive loan spell, but there is a desire to secure fresh faces in the aftermath of getting their hands on the Europa League trophy.
Frank has been tasked with building on ending the lengthy wait for silverware, having been installed as Ange Postecoglou's successor on a three-year contract after Tottenham forked out a lucrative compensation fee to lure him away from Brentford, and the Danish tactician is being backed by chairman Daniel Levy in the transfer market.
Spurs Still Monitoring Rios at Club World Cup
North Londoners consider upping ante in pursuit of midfielder
Frank and members of Tottenham's recruitment department are keeping tabs on Rios, according to GMS sources, but they are in danger of missing out on getting the deal over the line unless they move quickly because up to 10 admirers have sent scouts to watch him in action for Palmeiras at the Club World Cup.
The central midfielder has been described as a 'freak athlete' by scout Ben Mattinson, thanks to his physicality and determination to protect the backline, and he is firmly on Spurs' radar as they prepare for a season which will see them compete in the Champions League thanks to their European glory in the 2024/25 campaign.
GMS sources have been informed that Tottenham have decided to continue monitoring Rios, who shone during Palmeiras' goalless draw with Portuguese heavyweights Porto in their Club World Cup opener last weekend, and they are weighing up whether to up the ante in their pursuit.
But the north Londoners may have to put a considerable amount of their budget towards landing the Colombia international as there have been suggestions that he has a release clause worth in the region of £85million written into his contract, which would complicate matters if they aim to tempt him away from his current surroundings.
Tottenham are confident that Rios has developed his control and dominance in the middle of the park, GMS sources have learned, while his ability to read the game and open up play with his technical brilliance have been pinpointed as eye-catching traits as they look to bolster their options.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Richard Rios has been averaging five ball recoveries and 1.2 tackles per outing in the Brazilian top flight this season
Frank Facing Competition for Rios Agreement
Premier League rivals among Colombian's additional suitors
GMS sources have been told that Tottenham are not the only Premier League side eyeing Rios as Nottingham Forest sent a representative to run the rule over him during Palmeiras' stalemate with Porto, while Manchester United have also been contemplating whether to formalise their interest.
The 25-year-old's contract is not due to expire until the end of 2028, meaning it is not a foregone conclusion that he will depart during the summer transfer window, but it has been acknowledged that his head could be turned by the prospect of embarking on a fresh challenge in the coming months.
Tottenham may be dragged into a bidding war if they opt to table a formal offer for Rios because he is among the Club World Cup's most watched big-names as suitors aim to tempt him to Europe, GMS sources understand, but he is on their shortlist of potential arrivals as Frank seeks to make his mark.
Although GMS sources recently revealed that Spurs will discover whether Cristian Romero wants to remain in the capital by the end of the month after contemplating whether to push for a move to Atletico Madrid, they are still focused on securing reinforcements in preparation for next term.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 17/06/2025
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