Benfica president Rui Costa has warned Manchester United that Portugal striker Goncalo Ramos will not be allowed to leave on the cheap in January after his World Cup heroics.
Erik ten Hag has already confirmed that United are planning to replace Cristiano Ronaldo in the winter transfer window after the veteran forward agreed to tear up the final six months of his lucrative contract a fortnight ago.
Ronaldo had lost his first-team place under Ten Hag and has subsequently been leapfrogged in the Portugal pecking order by Ramos, who plundered a remarkable hat-trick during his nation's thumping 6-1 win over Switzerland to advance to the tournament quarter-finals.
Speculation is likely to intensity over Ramos' future in the wake of Portugal's surprise World Cup exit at the hands of Morocco - and United are believed to be one of the club's courting the Benfica striker in the wake of his breakout performances at the World Cup.
However, Costa has warned Manchester United - and Ramos' other admirers - that the Portuguese giants have no need to cash in on their star striker; and that Ramos will only be allowed to leave in the New Year if a club decides to trigger the buyout clause in the 21-year-old's current deal.
"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."
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Benfica are in a position of power when it comes to Ramos' future: the striker is contracted to the Portuguese giants until the summer of 2026, so, as Costa alluded to, Benfica have no reason to sell unless they receive a substantial proposal.
Multiple outlets have claimed that Ramos' current buyout clause stands at around €120million (£103m); a sum that may prove to be too rich for United, who shelled out in excess of £200m on new signings following Ten Hag's arrival in the summer.
Ramos is believed to be one of several names currently being considered by Ten Hag and the Old Trafford hierarchy ahead of the January transfer window.
Netherlands' World Cup star Cody Gakpo is another name who has been heavily linked with the Red Devils and held talks over a move in the summer, while Napoli's potent striker Victor Osimhen is another forward on the club's radar.
