"You know the thing is inquiries are flooding into the club and it will be difficult to keep him, mainly after the Club World Cup and that's why Sundowns have already started scouting for new strikers. I don't think it could be only one (striker needed) as they could also lose Peter Shalulile as there is also interest in him. Actually all three strikers including Iqraam Rayners have attracted interest but the club won't let them all go at the same time," said the Siya source.
"However it looks difficult to hold onto Ribeiro for long and that's why they are working on finding his replacement already. They are looking in South America and Europe mainly, though Africa is also a target market. They are looking at having nearly a new front three for next season. They could lose all of the striking department and have a new look attack all together next season and that's what they are working on (resolving) at the moment. They are scouting for at least two new strikers as things stand," the Siya source added.
A second insider mentioned that although the club considered Lebo Mothiba as a potential replacement for either Shalulile or Ribeiro Costa, the current head coach isn't fully convinced yet.
READ: Esteghlal Manager Questions Pitso SA's 'Football Identity'
"Yes, Lebo (Mothiba) could have been a replacement either for Shalulile or Ribeiro but that's not the case at the moment. Apparently the current head coach is not totally convinced about him and that's why the scouts are searching near and far, getting ready if Ribeiro leaves which seems inevitable at the moment," the second insider observed.
Since joining Sundowns last season, the 26-year-old Brazilian has been influential, scoring prolifically and contributing to goal chance creation. This season, he has already netted nine goals in 14 league appearances and he is currently the leading goalscorer in the Betway Premiership.
Soccer Laduma contacted Sundowns for comment but the club had not responded by the time this report was published.
