Manchester United have been linked with a deal for Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios, who may replace Manuel Ugarte if Casemiro leaves the club in the summer.

According to Goal Brasil, while no official offer has been made for the Colombia international, who shined during the Copa America, United has inquired, and AC Milan is also interested in the 24-year-old.

Manchester United are willing to invest roughly €20 million for the player, but Palmeiras are reluctant to let him go easily.

“What’s certain is that the club will not negotiate with Rios during this window,” an unnamed insider said. “It’s normal for interested parties to appear, but the club’s position on the matter is clear.”

Even with a significant bid, Manchester United are unlikely to influence a deal.

Palmeiras head coach Abel Ferreira told the press, “We’ve already generated a lot of money through sales. Now we must concentrate on their choices on the field.”

Indeed, this summer, the Brazilian team traded Willian Estevao to Chelsea and Luis Guilherme to West Ham, while Endrick left for Real Madrid a year ago.

But why is Richard Rios causing so much excitement?

What are Richard Rios’s strengths?Rios’ efforts for Colombia in the Copa America were solid in the heart of midfield, earning him the reputation of being an important member of the runners-up squad.

He is a defensive-minded player with a box-to-box profile similar to Ugarte’s. He is not as versatile in possession as Casemiro.

SciSports, a data analytics organization, is concerned about his long-term abilities. Rios ranked 92nd out of 105 center midfielders in Brazil’s Serie A last season.

Rios vs. Brazil Serie A midfielders in 2023

In comparison, Casemiro was ranked 27th out of 95 Premier League midfielders, and his defensive abilities clearly stood out.

Rios, on the other hand, did not place in the top third of any of SciSports’ six defensive criteria, raising serious questions about his ability to play for Manchester United.

Furthermore, his Estimated Transfer Value is only €1.5 million and has never exceeded €2.2 million, implying that Manchester United would be paying significantly more to sign him.

This is thus likely to be idle transfer speculation, with a deal for the admittedly more costly Ugarte becoming substantially better value if Casemiro departs.