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Manchester United are showing serious interest in signing Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios this summer, according to reports. Ruben Amorim is said to want to bolster his engine room ahead of next season, but there have been very few candidates concretely linked with an Old Trafford switch.

United require play sales before sanctioning further arrivals beyond Matheus Cunha and potentially Bryan Mbeumo - if they can strike a deal with Brentford. But Amorim is reportedly keen to add a striker, midfielder and possibly a goalkeeper if his summer budget allows as part of a squad overhaul. And Rios has emerged as a concrete target once he has finished competing at the Club World Cup in the United States.

According to Alfredo Pedulla, Rios landing at Old Trafford is one to watch this summer, with the Red Devils seriously interested in securing his signature.

The 25-year-old has made 134 appearances for Palmeiras since joining the club from fellow Brazilian club Guarani in March 2023, scoring 11 goals and providing eight assists.

Rios, who has also earned 21 caps for Colombia, has spent almost his entire career in South America after graduating from Flamengo's academy.

He spent a brief loan spell at Mexican outfit Mazatlan in the 2021/22 campaign but has flourished into one of the continents' most highly rated midfielders at Palmeiras.

Rios started Palmeiras' 0-0 draw against Porto to kick off their Club World Cup campaign, as well as the 2-0 victory over Al Ahly.

United would likely prioritise a defensive-minded midfielder, given club captain Bruno Fernandes is primed for a permanent tenancy in a deeper position next season.

With Cunha through the door in a £62.5million deal from Wolves and Mbeumo and a striker expected to follow him, Amorim will have a new-look front three at his disposal on the other side of the summer.

Fernandes should, therefore, be one of the two midfielders in his double pivot alongside a more defensive-minded profile.

Rios fits the bill, playing the vast majority of his career matches in defensive midfield. He is believed to have an £85m release clause in his Palmeiras contract.

Amorim also has Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo, Toby Collyer and Mason Mount as midfield options.

But question marks loom over the current occupants in his engine room due to their quality or suitability for his 3-4-3 system.

Nottingham Forest, Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain are among the clubs also linked with Rios, so United aren't expected to have a clear pathway.