Benfica president Rui Costa has confirmed that the Portuguese giants will not sell striker Goncalo Ramos in the January transfer window unless his release clause is triggered amid links connecting him with a move to Manchester United.
United, as confirmed by manager Erik ten Hag, want to add a striker to their ranks next month following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo. The 37-year-old was released by the club last month following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
His exit has left United with just one out-and-out senior striker in the form of Anthony Martial, who has struggled to prove his fitness so far this season. Furthermore, United are the lowest scorers inside the top seven in the Premier League so far this term, scoring just 20 goals.
READ MORE: Ten Hag confirms United want to sign a forward in January transfer window
It is evident that they must sign a striker as they move into the next phase of their rebuilding project under Ten Hag and Benfica ace Ramos is understood to be admired by the Dutchman. The 21-year-old made headlines last week after starting Portugal's 6-1 World Cup last-16 win over Switzerland and scoring a hat-trick, after being handed a surprise start ahead of Ronaldo.
His treble against the Swiss, unsurprisingly, immediately raised his profile and valuation. However, Benfica chief and former Portugal international Costa has insisted that Ramos, along with the rest of Benfica's star players, will not be sold for anything below the value of their release clause.
"We have the sole objective of having a winning season, no player will leave – unless it is due to the clause – which at this moment is fundamental for the squad," said Costa.
"What I can promise our supporters is what I did at the beginning of the year. This is a sporting project, not a financial one.
"Fortunately, we are not experiencing financial problems and we have no need to sell players."
It is claimed by multiple reports that Ramos' release clause is worth €120million (£103m), which is far more than United would expect to pay for the striker. Ramos, however, is under contract at Benfica until 2026.
United are actively interested in other strikers to strengthen their forward line, including Napoli star Victor Osimhen and Cody Gakpo of PSV Eindhoven. United held talks with the latter's agent during the summer.
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