Vasco da Gama have turned their interest in Richarlison into one of the most dramatic late moves of the Brazilian transfer window.

At first, it looked like little more than an ambitious campaign among supporters. It has since developed into a serious pursuit, driven by the player’s long-standing connection with the Rio de Janeiro club.

Richarlison has never hidden his affection for Vasco, the team he followed as a boy, and the chance to wear their shirt carries an emotional pull that few other options could match.

That bond has encouraged Vasco to chase a deal which would usually appear beyond their reach.

President Pedrinho, who allegedly 'dreams' of signing the 29-year-old according to some reports in Brazil, is reportedly closely involved, while fans have flooded social media with messages urging the Brazil international to make the move.

Vasco sit 17th in Brazil’s top flight but remain alive in two cup competitions, making the potential arrival of a proven forward particularly attractive.

The original plan centred on a loan. It would give Vasco a major attacking lift and offer Richarlison the regular football he badly needs without forcing the Brazilian club to fund a huge permanent transfer at short notice.

Time, however, is against them.

Brazil’s transfer window closes on Friday, leaving little room for a long negotiation or complicated financial package.

Richarlison’s position in north London has made the situation even more urgent, with Roberto De Zerbi ousting him from Tottenham’s Premier League squad after the forward made clear that he wanted to leave.

He is still training to remain fit and has a Spurs contract until June 2027, including a reported option for another year, but there is no obvious route back into the team.

With earlier exits to the likes of Everton and Trabzonspor failing to go through, Vasco appeared to have offered him a timely escape from months on the sidelines.

Tottenham send Richarlison warning after Vasco proposal accepted

Now, the player has reportedly given Vasco the answer they wanted, only for Tottenham to present a major new obstacle.

According to an 'urgent' update from Globo Esporte reporter Bruno Murito, Richarlison has accepted Vasco’s proposal. Spurs, though, have informed the striker that they cannot sanction another international loan because they have reached FIFA's permitted limit.

Tottenham currently have six players on temporary deals outside of England, specifically Pape Sarr and Guglielmo Vicario at Juventus, Radu Dragusin at Fiorentina, Souza at Porto, Kota Takai at Sint-Truiden and Min-hyeok Yang at Westerlo.

Kevin Danso is also away from Spurs at Sunderland, but that move is on UK shores and therefore doesn't count as part of the overseas total.

That means the problem is not Richarlison’s willingness to join Vasco.

The personal side of the move appears to have made significant progress, but the proposed structure cannot be used unless one of Tottenham’s existing foreign loans changes.

How Vasco have reacted as they plot new Tottenham deal for Richarlison

Vasco have not given up.

A follow-up report from Murito says the club are now investigating whether they can buy Richarlison outright instead.

Possible ideas include paying a smaller amount immediately and spreading the remaining fee over future years. Another option under consideration is a buy-back clause, which could give Tottenham the chance to regain control of the forward later.

Even so, a permanent deal will be extremely difficult.

The money discussed during Richarlison’s failed Everton return was reportedly well beyond Vasco’s normal range, meaning Spurs would have to accept a very different package.

Richarlison’s desire to go and his exclusion from De Zerbi’s squad may strengthen Vasco’s hand, and Tottenham would otherwise be keeping a costly player they cannot use in the Premier League.

But an agreement with Richarlison is not an agreement with Spurs, so Vasco must now turn an emotional yes into a workable offer before Friday’s imminent deadline.