Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterManchester United face a race against time to land their first summer signing.Caretaker Michael Carrick is hoping to bolster his ranks once given the full-time reins at Old Trafford and has already turned his attention towards refreshing the midfield.With Casemiro departing at the end of this season, United have identified Benfica's Richard Rios as a preferred replacement for the outgoing Brazilian in the engine room. You may like Manchester United looking to close �39m midfielder as first summer signing: report Manchester United have agreed first summer signing: report Manchester United begin contact to make Spaniard their first summer signing: report Manchester United's preferred target is on other clubs' radarsGet VIP Manchester United tickets HERE with Seat UniqueManchester United's hospitality offers comfortable, padded seating in the North West Quadrant. The package includes a concourse meal deal (hot food, drink, and snack) and the official matchday programme. Guests also receive a 10 per cent Megastore discount and non-matchday Museum entry, providing a great value, family-friendly match experience for home fans.View DealThe Red Devils are said to have already made contact for the Colombia international in hopes of making him a cornerstone of their summer rebuild for around 45 million.But Carrick's side are set to face growing competition with Fulham already in the hunt for Rios while another contender has now joined the Premier League counterparts..According to O Jogo via Sport Witness, Napoli are now preparing to test Benfica's resolve by making the 25-year-old one of their top targets in the transfer window.Scouts from the reigning Serie A holders are said to have watched Rios in-person over recent weeks including during his star turn for The Eagles against Moreirense.Get the FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.However the Partenopei's valuation of the player is considerably lower than United's valuation with a figure of 30 million falling short of Benfica's current asking price.Jose Mourinho's side are understood to be holding out for a figure closer to 35 million, which could rise based on Rios's performances at this summer's World Cup.Benfica have already protected the playmaker's value with a 100 million release clause in his contract, which still has four years remaining in the Portuguese capital.Rios has made 43 appearances for the Primeira Liga outfit, who are seven points off leaders Porto in the title race, in all competitions and contributed six goals.Since receiving a senior Colombia call-up, he has featured 30 times for his country and is expected to feature prominently during their World Cup Group K campaign.A showdown with Portugal at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium on 28 June would see him pitted against prospective new United teammates Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot.TOPICSManchester UnitedBenficaNapoliFulhamColombiaPremier LeaguePrimeira LigaWorld CupRichard Buxton
