Everton can get Palmeiras midfielder Richard Ríos for €20m this summer, having already contacted his agents about a move but face competition from Leicester City.
That’s according to journalist Nicola Jorge, who says both clubs are willing to buy the midfielder after his performances for Colombia at the Copa América.
A report earlier today stated that Everton and Leicester had both made moves for the midfielder, holding initial talks about a potential deal for the 24-year-old.
That report stated he was currently valued at around €15-20m and while no official offer had been made as yet, there was every chance one was coming sooner rather than later.
Nicola now follows that up and says similar, insisting neither Everton nor Leicester have made official proposals but have spoken to the player’s entourage.
“There are two teams from England that have already contacted his environment, Leicester and Everton,” he said.
“Both are willing to buy the player but have not made official proposals yet. Despite having an astronomical release clause of €100m, Palmeiras would agree to negotiate for €20m. That would be a huge profit for them.
“There is a real chance of negotiations taking place for him this summer. He’s only 24, has enormous potential and has put in great performances for Colombia at the Copa America. That’s attracted attention from Europe.”
Whether either side actually want to move forward for him remains to be seen. Everton certainly make sense as they’re selling Amadou Onana and will need a replacement for him, plus will have the funds from that sale to help matters.
They also need a defensive midfielder given Idrissa Gana Gueye is the only player in that position in the squad at present.
Leicester have less of a need given they’ve convinced Wilfred Ndidi to stay and still have Harry Winks, Hamza Choudhury and Boubakary Soumaré.
They are short of options in central midfielder following Kiernan Dewsbury Hall’s departure to Chelsea, though, so perhaps that is why they are interested.
The question is whether they or Everton are willing to match Palmeiras’ demands, with the Brazilian side clearly eyeing up a major profit from any sale.
