Manchester United have reportedly made contact with the representatives of Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos at the behest of boss Erik ten Hag.
Ten Hag oversaw a busy summer transfer, which saw six incomings at Old Trafford as the arrivals of Casemiro, Antony and Martin Dubravka followed those of Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen. However, the Dutch boss remains intent on strengthening his front line with a January swoop not ruled out.
Cristiano Ronaldo remains intent on departing the Red Devils after not getting his summer transfer wish, which would leave United light on central attacking options – hence the interest in Benfica breakout star Ramos.
The area most in need of attention is up front, with Ronaldo's uncertain future meaning that Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial are the Red Devils' only established central strikers. While United are well-stocked in the department of wide forwards, they will aim to add a new attacker to their ranks, with a move in January not ruled out, should the right player become available.
The club did not sign any player in January last season, while Luis Diaz, Dejan Kulusevski, Dusan Vlahovic, Ferran Torres, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Julian Alvarez were among those who joined top European clubs that month. There is an awareness that Ramos – who previously attracted the attention of Newcastle – may become available in January.
Ramos netted a hat-trick over Midtjylland and bagged two goals alongside two assists against Dynamo Kyiv as Benfica reached the Champions League group stage and he has already bagged eight goals this campaign – equalling his tally from last season. Following the departure of Darwin Nunez to Liverpool, the Portuguese talent – who netted in Benfica's draw at Anfield last season – has emerged as Benfica's main striking option.
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Despite not yet being capped at senior international level for Portugal, Ramos has bagged 14 goals in 18 appearances for their Under-21 side and is rated as one of the brightest prospects in the nation. A claim in the Sun suggests he has a transfer valuation of £25million – seen as attainable for United.
Ramos has been an integral part of a Benfica team who have won all 13 of their matches across all competitions this campaign and signed off for this international break with a double against Maritimo to ensure they moved two points clear at the top of the standings in Primeira Liga.
The 21-year-old is a product of Benfica's famed youth system – which he joined aged 12 – and could be the latest in a long line of talents from the club to make a big-money move away from Lisbon.
