Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Goncalo Ramos: Benfica take urgent action to block Man Utd as Cristiano Ronaldo succession plan is thwarted

Goncalo Ramos of Benfica celebrates after scoring the opening goal 1-0 during the Pre-Season Friendly Eusebio Cup match between SL Benfica and Newcastle United FC played at Estadio da Luz

Manchester United will reportedly see their interest in Goncalo Ramos shut down before the January transfer window opens with Benfica preparing to take quick-fire measures to block their pursuit.

United boss Erik ten Hag invested heavily this summer, bringing in six new players to the cost of over £200m. However, there were certain areas of his squad he was not able to address, with funds – and time – running out.

And while the club’s new arrivals have helped the club move up the table, plans are already being drawn up for the January window. Indeed their first priority will be the capture of a new right-back. To that end, reports are linking United with a move for Monaco’s exciting Brazilian star Vanderson.

The other area of concern for Ten Hag is in attack. Marcus Rashford has started the season in fine form, scoring three times and adding two assists from six Premier League appearances.

However, doubts continue to linger over the future of Cristiano Ronaldo. And while the unsettled Portuguese superstar failed to secure a summer move away, the gossip columns will continue to speculate that a January transfer will be on the cards.

To that end, United are keeping their options open with regards a replacement. As such, Tuesday’s Transfer Gossip claims United are pursuing a move for Benfica hotshot Ramos.

The 21-year-old striker has stepped up at Benfica this season following the hefty sale of Darwin Nunez to Liverpool. Last season, Ramos managed eight goals in 46 games, a tally he has matched already this season in just 12 outings.

And that form has seemingly alerted United, especially amid claims he has a lowly £25m price on his head.

Goncalo Ramos seen as possible Ronaldo successor

United, though, are also not alone in expressing an interest in Ramos. As per A Bola, Wolves, Newcastle and Paris Saint-Germain are also tracking his progress.

However, the report claims Benfica have no intentions of allowing Ramos to leave. And rather than invite interest for his services, they are preparing to reward the 21-year-old with a bumper new deal. That new contract will see the striker rewarded with a handsome payrise which should put the brakes on a prospective move elsewhere.

His current deal at Estadio da Luz expires in summer 2026, so Benfica are under no pressure to sell him.

But they reportedly want to underline his importance to their side and growing influence by handing him a pay hike.

And in doing so, they are hopefully of ensuring his formative years will continue in the Portuguese capital.

It’s believed Ten Hag had set his sights on Ramos in January. And his intentions were that he could develop under the guidance of Ronaldo. As such, it’s suggested the 21-year-old would enhance his game training alongside his compatriot. And in grooming him as Ronaldo’s successor, the Red Devils would then granting the veteran star his exit wish next summer.

Given his age, United may feel Ramos is not yet the finished article, but still comes with plenty of potential.

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