Breakout Copa America star ‘under investigation by Leicester City’ in bid to lock down problematic position

Leicester City are reportedly rivaling Everton for the signature of Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios, and questions over his availability have been sent to Brazil in recent days.

With almost a month to go until Leicester’s Premier League opener against Tottenham Hotspur, new manager Steve Cooper would still have work to do to strengthen his midfield. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s £30m move has left the club particularly light on centre-forwards, with 18-year-old summer recruit Michael Golding the only member of the squad currently on the sidelines.

If Cooper chooses to turn to the transfer market to address the issue, then Brazilian outlet UOL have suggested Sao Paulo could hold the answer in the first player to announce himself on the world stage recently.

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Rios, 24, has been instrumental in Colombia’s bid for the 2024 Copa America tournament. He made six appearances and scored in a 5-0 quarter-final upset of Panama. In the end, though, it was a pain for his country, who lost in the final to Argentina last weekend.

He also made 120 club appearances in South America, preferring to operate from the right side of central midfield. Now, the latest report claims that City and Premier League rivals Everton are trying to lure him to England.

Unfortunately for Cooper and Co, the report claims that Palmeiras are reluctant to complete a deal and value the player at between £12.6m and £16.8m, holding 70% of his economic rights.

No reason has been explained for the Brazilian club’s hesitation, although it is midway through the domestic campaign, which runs from April to December. They also recently parted ways with midfielder Luis Guilherme from West Ham United and will do the same with highly-rated teenager Estevao Willian from Chelsea following a pre-deal for next summer.

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