Tottenham Hotspur have been mightily impressed with how one Colombian international is performing at the Club World Cup and they could now get involved in the ensuing bidding war for his signature.
Over the last few weeks, reports have indicated that Thomas Frank is prioritising signing a defensive midfielder ahead of his first season in North London.
One of the players previously on Tottenham Hotspur’s radar was a 25-year-old midfielder, who has emerged as one of the best players in Brazilian football over the last couple of years.
It was reported that Spurs had an offer turned down for Palmeiras star Richard Rios in January, and the Lilywhites are now contemplating reigniting their interest in the player.
Tottenham could step up their interest in Richard Rios
GiveMeSport have now claimed that Tottenham are tracking Rios’ performances at the Club World Cup and have been thoroughly impressed by the midfielder.
The Palmerios star was one of the best players on the pitch in the Brazilian side’s 0-0 draw with Porto over the weekend, and the Lilywhites are now ‘refusing to rule out’ a move for the player.
Thomas Frank and the Spurs recruitment department are now keeping tabs on Rios and will continue monitoring him closely throughout the Club World Cup.
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They are now weighing up whether to ‘up the ante’ in their pursuit of the Colombia international, with the North Londoners said to be impressed by his technical brilliance and his ability to read the game.
Tottenham will have to spend big to land Richard Rios
GiveMeSport say that Tottenham are far from the only Premier League club keeping tabs on Rios at the moment.
Nottingham Forest also sent a scout to watch him in action against Porto, while Manchester United are contemplating whether to formalise their interest in the midfielder.
A bidding war could thus ensue between these clubs for Rios, who is contracted to Palmerias until 2028, with his deal containing a release clause of a whopping £85m.