Manchester United are set to battle Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United for Benfica forward Goncalo Ramos in the January transfer window.
That is according to Portuguese outlet Record, who claim that he tops Erik ten Hag’s shortlist of players.
United’s attack is threadbare, with the manager publicly admitting the squad’s need for a new striker in the winter.
The Red Devils’ currently have only Anthony Martial as a natural centre forward, and the Frenchman has endured a difficult campaign thus far.
He made only his third Premier League start yesterday against Nottingham Forest, and while he played well and scored, relying on him throughout the remainder of the season is a risky proposition.
Ramos has been in fantastic form for Benfica this season, seamlessly replacing Darwin Nunez, who joined Liverpool in the summer.
The Portugal star has scored 15 goals for the league leaders already and has impressed with his all-round game.
At only 21 years of age, Ramos would represent a fantastic long-term solution to United’s woes up front.
Ten Hag’s team were on a goal difference of zero heading into the match against Nottingham Forest yesterday, and it is clear that a clinical finisher could have even doubled United’s 3-0 victory.
Whether United can afford to make a move for a player so critical to Benfica’s success this season remains to be seen.
Financially, the Red Devils do not seem to be in a position to compete with their rivals for permanent signings and look to be exploring loan opportunities instead.
The summer would be a more likely time for a deal to go through between Ramos and United, although with interest from state-backed clubs, there is a worry that such a time would be too late.
