Manchester United 'determined to sign Goncalo Ramos next summer'

Manchester United have reportedly identified Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos as their number one transfer target in the final third of the field.

The Red Devils will sign a new centre-forward next year, as Cristiano Ronaldo's departure has left the club short of options, and there have been claims that Erik ten Hag's side could enter the January market.

PSV Eindhoven's Cody Gakpo remains a leading target for the club, although he mainly operates in a wide position, and it is possible that both the Dutchman and a centre-forward could make the move to the 20-time English champions next year.

According to Fichajes, Ten Hag's side have identified Ramos as a leading target, with the 21-year-old potentially being available for around €50m (£43m) next year.

The report claims that the striker's 'impressive shot and ability to play outside the area' have made him an attractive proposition for the English giants.

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Man United also allegedly believe that Ramos has the 'conditions' to become one of the top centre-forwards in world football in the near future.

Ramos came through the youth system at Benfica, making his first-team debut for the club in 2020, and he has represented the Portuguese outfit on 80 occasions, scoring 28 goals and contributing 10 assists.

This season, the striker has scored 14 goals and registered six assists in 21 appearances in all competitions, including nine goals and three assists in 11 league outings.

Ramos is currently with the Portugal squad at the 2022 World Cup, meanwhile, and he hit the headlines when he score three times in his country's 6-1 victory over Switzerland in the round of 16.

The forward only played 10 minutes in the group stage of the competition but replaced Ronaldo in the XI against Switzerland and came up with three goals during an impressive performance.

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Man United had been planning to keep hold of Ronaldo for the remainder of the campaign before bringing in a new centre-forward next summer.

However, the 37-year-old's recent interview with Piers Morgan, where he was heavily critical of the Red Devils, led to the club terminating his contract.

Benfica are unlikely to be prepared to let Ramos leave in the middle of the season, though, as the team are currently top of the Primeira Liga table, while they have progressed to the last-16 stage of the Champions League, with Club Brugge their opponents.

Ramos has a contract with his current side until June 2026, having only signed an extension last October.

Barcelona are said to have passed up on the chance to sign Ramos during the recent transfer window.