Man Utd next striker: Ten Hag given boost as price for World Cup forward drops at alarming rate

Manchester United have been handed some good news in their pursuit of Benfica ace Goncalo Ramos after Fabrizio Romano revealed how the Portuguese side have lowered their demands.

Ramos is lighting up the Primeira Liga this season. He has notched nine goals and three assists in just 11 appearances so far. He is being tipped to follow in Darwin Nunez’s footsteps by swapping Benfica for a Premier League giant in a major transfer during 2023.

And Ramos’ World Cup exploits have only intensified the transfer rumours. He surprisingly started ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo in Portugal’s last-16 match against Switzerland. And the 21-year-old justified his inclusion by bagging a brilliant hat-trick in a 6-1 win for Portugal.

This saw Ramos start ahead of Ronaldo again in the following match against Morocco. However, he couldn’t find the net and was taken off in the 69th minute, with Portugal already 1-0 down at that point. And despite boasting some of the best players in Europe, Portugal failed to score an equaliser and were knocked out of the tournament.

Ramos’ future at Benfica is uncertain. They could sell him in the January transfer window, while his value is potentially at its highest.

Alternatively, Benfica chiefs might opt to keep the attacker in their ranks for the remainder of the season to help with their aim of winning the Portuguese title.

Benfica President Rui Costa made a big admission about the club’s plans during a recent interview. He said: “We have the sole objective of having a winning season, no player will leave – unless it is due to the clause – which at this moment is fundamental for the squad.

“What I can promise our supporters is what I did at the beginning of the year. This is a sporting project, not a financial one.

“Fortunately, we are not experiencing financial problems and we have no need to sell players.”

Fabrizio Romano issues update after Benfica warning

This was an obvious warning to Ramos’ potential suitors, which includes Man Utd and Newcastle. Costa effectively told them to match Ramos huge €120million (£103m) release clause or look elsewhere for a new striker.

However, Costa’s comments may just be a public front. That’s because transfer guru Romano has given his information on how much Benfica will accept for Ramos.

During an appearance on The United Stand YouTube channel, Romano was asked about Man Utd’s potential swoop for the World Cup ace. And according to Goal, he said Benfica are looking for €70m (£61m) or more for Ramos.

Clearly, this is a big amount of money. But it represents a £42m drop from his colossal release clause. So if Man Utd can get Ramos for £61m, it would represent a far better deal.

The five-cap international is on Man Utd’s list of potential replacements for Ronaldo. Funnily enough, another Portuguese star in the form of Joao Felix is also under consideration.

But given Ramos’ keen eye for goal, he is probably a better fit at Man Utd to replace Ronaldo.

Meanwhile, Man Utd have been told a primary Ten Hag target wouldn’t even get a kick for Liverpool if he went to Anfield.