ERIK TEN HAG is eyeing Benfica ace Goncalo Ramos to boost Manchester United’s firepower.
Ramos, 21, has hit eight goals in 12 games this season, prompting United to make contact with his representatives.
He is valued around £25million by Benfica, which United would not go above — despite the player reportedly having a £100m release clause.
The Portuguese Under-21 star was linked to Newcastle in the last window as Eddie Howe searched for a striker — and he is also being tracked by Bayern Munich.
However, United boss Ten Hag does not have a big transfer pot for January, having gone over budget this summer. But there is still recognition of the urgent need for another forward.
Injuries to Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford have exposed how short they are in that department, with Cristiano Ronaldo, 37, their only recognised and fit striker.
READ MORE ON MAN UTD
Ramos scored against Liverpool in last season’s Champions League quarter-final second leg at Anfield.
And he began this campaign in spectacular fashion, with a hat-trick against Denmark’s Midtjylland. In the league he has four goals in six appearances, plus two assists.
Ten Hag was backed with £206.7m this summer — United’s biggest-ever spend in a single window.
His four buys, plus the free signing of Christian Eriksen, have helped to transform United after a horror opening two games, which they lost to Brighton and Brentford.
Most read in Football
They have since won four Premier League games on the trot — and have inflicted leaders Arsenal’s only defeat of the season.
After losing their first Europa League group game against Spain’s Real Sociedad, United got back on track last week with a 2-0 away win over Moldova’s Sheriff.
And in a boost for the injury-plagued frontline, United are now hoping Rashford will return in time for next month’s derby at the Etihad.
The England forward suffered a muscle injury in the victory over Arsenal in early September and has not played since.
He sat out both the Europa League matches and was not picked in the Three Lions squad for the forthcoming Nations League matches against Italy and Germany.
However, there is now confidence at Old Trafford he will be ready to make the short journey to face Pep Guardiola’s champions on October 2.
Read More on The Sun
And that would be a much-welcome boost for Ten Hag — as the 24-year-old scored in key wins over Liverpool and the Gunners.
Rashford has still not given up on forcing his way into the World Cup squad but knows time is quickly running out, with England’s opener against Iran on November 21.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
