Erik ten Hag has narrowed his list of potential Cristiano Ronaldo replacements to four players, according to reports.
Manchester United head into the January window with their glaring need for attacking reinforcements only exacerbated by the acrimonious departure of Ronaldo last month. His exit leaves Ten Hag with a paucity of options up top and the Dutchman has already made it clear he will need additions.
Pressed for a comment on whether they would look to immediately replace the veteran striker, the United boss said: "Yes, but only when we find the right player. We will do everything in our power. We are doing research at every opportunity and we will do everything we can [to sign them] if that opportunity is there."
However, United head into 2023 in a state of financial flux following the bombshell news that the Glazer family are open to selling the Premier League giants after almost two decades in change. Fresh investment options are currently being sought but Ten Hag has been assured by CEO Richard Arnold that there would be “no negatives” from his side.
“My information is that it will only be good things because there will be more investment possible which is good,” Ten Hag said this week.
“I have not talked with the owners about this issue but Richard told me and we spoke about the culture we want we spoke about objectives, goals and that culture. He confirmed it won’t change. In fact it will be even better because more money will become available for this project.”
With that in mind, ESPN reports that Ten Hag’s shortlist has been whittled down to four names - although there is an acceptance that conducting business in January isn’t always wise.
Goncalo Ramos
There’s a chance that the player who replaced Ronaldo for Portugal, could do the same at Manchester United, Ramos, 21, came in for his illustrious compatriot in the World Cup round-of-16 and scored a sensational hat-trick vs Switzerland.
He failed to replicate those feats in the quarter finals, but has still caught the eye of several Premier League suitors - including at Old Trafford.
It is suggested that United have made an enquiry about the availability of Benfica striker, whose value has skyrocketed since the summer window, Back then there was a feeling he would be available for around £17million - now he is worth exponentially more.
Multiple outlets have claimed that his current buyout clause stands at around €120m (£103m) and the Benfica president is adamant Ramos won’t be allowed to leave on the cheap.
Cody Gakpo
Another star coming off the back of an impressive World Cup, Gakpo is a player believed to have been on Ten Hag’s radar for some time. The PSV forward scored three times as the Netherlands reached the last eight and continued the kind of form which has seen him dominate Dutch football.
United are reportedly leading the way for the 23-year-old, with PSV director Marcel Brands suggesting they would not stand in his way if the right bid came along.
Brands said: ”No amounts have been agreed on either. The agreements that were made were there before my time. Amounts have not been discussed, but if the right club comes that Cody would like to go.
Joao Felix
The Atletico Madrid forward is a player seemingly looking for a move. Signed for £110m in 2019, the Portuguese has failed to ever live up to his hefty transfer fee.
And less than three years on, Felix is reportedly open to leaving with a number of Premier League clubs said to be in the mix. However, despite the player’s willingness to facilitate a deal, Atleti are happy to play hardball and their valuation of £85m would almost certainly price the Red Devils out.
A potential option to get a deal done is an initial loan with an obligation to make that permanent at the end of the season.
Rafael Leao
Leao is the third of Ronaldo’s Portugal team-mates under consideration and another attracting interest across Europe. The 23-year-old has six goals and five assists for AC Milan in Serie A this season and continues to impress on the international stage.
Sky Sports Germany via MEN claim that Leao has no intention of staying with Milan beyond the summer of 2024, meaning at some point they will need to cash in.
Leao is understood to have a release clause of €150m (£128m) and the Rossoneri are holding out for at least that amount, should they even consider an offer.
