Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag reviews the West Ham game
Manchester United are heading for talks with Benfica over a potential deal for striker Goncalo Ramos, according to reports. Erik ten Hag is keen to land a No 9 amid the inconsistency of Anthony Martial and Wout Weghorst this season. And while Harry Kane is the Dutchman’s priority target, Ramos has now been identified as a possible Plan B.
Manchester United have seen both Martial and Weghorst struggle this season, with the pair failing to score enough to propel the club into a fight for the Premier League title.
And The Mirror say Ten Hag has now identified Ramos as a potential signing for the summer, having watched the striker shine for Benfica.
The Portugal international has netted 24 goals across all competitions this season, firing his team to the top of the Primeira Liga table in the process.
United do have Kane as their priority amid a growing feeling the England international will look to leave Tottenham in the summer.
But Ramos has now been identified as a possible alternative, although he won’t be cheap for the Red Devils to sign.
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It’s claimed United will have to pay around £70million to £100m to acquire the 21-year-old, who also scored a hat-trick for Portugal at the Qatar World Cup back in November, a fee that could see the youngster become the most-expensive signing in the club’s entire history.
While interest in Kane won’t be dropped completely, the Red Devils are bracing themselves for tough talks with Spurs supremo Daniel Levy.
And that’s why Ramos being targeted, with Benfica traditionally more open to selling their best players providing they make a big profit.
Should Ramos touch down, he’d become the club’s eighth signing from Portugal over the years.
They raided Sporting Lisbon for a young Cristiano Ronaldo in 2003, before doing the same for Nani just four years later.
Man Utd transfer target Goncalo Ramos has been compared to Cristiano Ronaldo (Image: GETTY)
He said: "They [United] still need to find the perfect way they want to play, because since Sir Alex Ferguson left, they’ve struggled with their identity.
“Under Ferguson, you knew exactly what you were getting, and the spine of his team was so important; a solid centre-back, a tough midfielder and a goalscorer.
“In my opinion, it’s that last area where they need to strengthen; they need someone who can come in and get goals.
“Goncalo Ramos can be that guy.
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Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag offloaded Cristiano Ronaldo earlier in the season (Image: GETTY)
"He’s really young, but he’s already shown us what he’s capable of, on the biggest stage of all at the World Cup, scoring a hat-trick against Switzerland.
“The way he plays, and how he moves and interacts with his teammates… he could be their new Cristiano Ronaldo.
“A move to United would be a good thing for him."
Ramos could be involved when Benfica lock horns with Portimonense S.C on Saturday (6pm).