Newcastle United may have a midfield solution sitting on a list they have kept largely out of the spotlight this summer.

Richard Ríos spent much of the transfer window being linked with clubs across Europe, including several in the Premier League. Bournemouth, Everton, Manchester United and Fulham were all mentioned at different stages. However, none of that interest developed into a formal bid.

Record now report Newcastle United are also among the clubs who have been monitoring the Benfica midfielder. This suggests the Magpies’ interest has existed for some time, even though their name has not previously become part of the public conversation.

Of course Newcastle’s midfield options have changed significantly since the opening weeks of the window. This is following the departure of several important players. With the deadline approaching, a player they have already been following could become an increasingly attractive solution.

According to the Portuguese newspaper, Napoli are also keeping tabs on the Colombia international.

Benfica, however, have not received any formal contacts or offers despite several clubs continuing to monitor the 26-year-old. He joined from Palmeiras this summer in a deal worth €27m fixed.

Winning over Marco Silva

Manchester United and Fulham are interested in Richard Rios transfer
Manchester United and Fulham are interested in Richard Rios transfer

Richard Ríos is giving Benfica every reason to believe his importance is about to grow.

Record report the midfielder has impressed Marco Silva’s coaching staff with the physical condition he showed after returning from the World Cup. As a result, he has gained ground in the race for a place in the starting XI. That’s ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash against Hearts.

The Colombian did not simply take time off after the tournament. Instead, he worked with specialist coaches in Miami and Mallorca throughout his holiday to maintain his fitness levels.

That decision is now paying off. Benfica’s staff have reportedly been particularly impressed by Ríos’ intensity and athletic condition. The midfielder now presents a genuine challenge to Leandro Barreiro and Enzo Barrenechea, who started together against St. Gallen.

Ríos came off the bench after 66 minutes in that match, but Marco Silva is now seriously considering reshaping his midfield. Furthermore, the Colombian is viewed as one of Benfica’s strongest ball-carrying midfielders. He has built a strong case for his first start of the new season.

Chance to change the picture

Richard Ríos has returned with more than fresh legs. According to Record, the midfielder is determined to remove any lingering doubts over his potential after losing some prominence to Gustavo Puerta with Colombia during the World Cup.

He played 135 minutes across five matches and has come back to Lisbon “hungry to play” as he looks to establish himself at Benfica.

That could also have implications for Newcastle. The Magpies are now reported to have been monitoring Ríos for some time, even if that interest had remained behind the scenes until now.

Should he force his way into Benfica’s starting side over the coming weeks, Newcastle will have even more evidence to support the scouting work they have already carried out.

For now, Record are clear that there have been no formal approaches or bids from any club. Newcastle, though, remain in the picture. And with their midfield rebuilt during this window, Ríos may yet emerge as an option before the deadline.

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