Transfer Gossip: Man Utd line up loan raid for much-maligned Chelsea flop as contact is also made over Portugal star; Liverpool unearth £30m plan for Thiago successor

Manchester United are looking to sign a Benfica hot-shot but could end up instead with a former Chelsea flop, Liverpool are desperate to land a midfielder and reckon a deal can be done for £30m, while Thursday’s Transfer Gossip claims an Arsenal man is heading to Fulham.

GONCALO RAMOS ENQUIRY MADE BY MAN UTD

Manchester United have made contact withb Benfica over a possible deal for Goncalo Ramos, according to a report.

United manager Erik ten Hag is seeking more firepower in the wake of Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure. The much-talked exit of the Portuguese veteran leaves United with a hole to fill – and an unexpected need to make a January signing.

They are looking strongly at Cody Gakpo, who can play across the attack. However, there are concerns that the PSV may lack the presence needed to play as a central striker. And with United well blessed for wide attackers, they are also looking elsewhere.

An ambitious move for Karim Benzema has been talked about. The Real Madrid veteran is out of contract at the end of the season and talks on an extension have hit stalemate. As such, United are reportedly looking to tempt him to Old Trafford with a sizeable salary package.

However, any such deal would be on hold until the summer, which leaves United lacking a go-to option now.

Now, according to ESPN, they have made contact with Benfica over a deal for Ramos.

The striker has come into their thinking after a promising start to the season. And his glorious hat-trick against Switzerland in the World Cup last 16 has only reinforced Ten Hag’s belief that he could lead the line for the Red Devils.

Forget Goncalo Ramos, Man Utd may end up with Alvaro Morata

However, ESPN reports that finances are tight at Old Trafford. With the club still feeling the affects of the Covid 19 pandemic and on the back of a heavier than expected summer spend, United may only have a reduced budget in January.

As such, there are strong doubts over whether they are likely to be able to afford Benfica’s asking price for Ramos.

And after driving up the price for Darwin Nunez’s sale to Liverpool over the summer, Benfica are likely to make equally strong demands.

To that end, they are reportedly seeking a fee of around £60m for the 21-year-old. And while United do like him, any such deal will likely be on hold until the summer.

The subject of United’s enquiry will be to firstly find out Benfica’s asking price. Secondly, they could seek to land the player on an initial loan with an obligation to make the move permanent in the summer.

As a result of United’s need to sign a striker now, the outlet claims they could turn their focus towards Alvaro Morata.

The former Chelsea striker is available to leave Atletico Madrid in January after failing to convince Diego Simeone.

Morata has scored 186 career goals in 515 games, so knows where the back of the net is. But he is regularly on the move after failing to settle and / or convince a number of managers he is worthy of a long-time stay.

ESPN suggests United could launch an enquiry to sign him on loan and to see them through until the summer.

LIVERPOOL SEE SOFYAN AMRABAT AS IDEAL SIGNING

Liverpool are reportedly desperate to get their hands on Sofyan Amrabat after his solid World Cup showings.

The Fiorentina man has been previously linked with a move to Tottenham. His deal at Fiorentina is due to expire in summer 2024 and talks over an extension are currently at stalemate.

La Viola plan to improve on his current £25,000 a week wages. However, the problem they have is that Amrabat can earn far higher than what they can offer the midfielder.

As such, rumours of interest from Liverpool have gathered pace in recent weeks.

Indeed, so strong is Liverpool’s interest that Jurgen Klopp has reportedly scheduled in two meetings to discuss his transfer.

Now the Daily Express claims Klopp’s desire to sign Amrabat is stronger than ever.

They report that the Reds boss sees the 26-year-old as an ideal successor to Thiago Alcantara. And his simple ball-playing abilities and solid engine make him a dream addition for Klopp.

Furthermore, they believe Fiorentina could be persuaded to sell for a fee of around £30m.

That is well within Liverpool’s budget and an offer ahead of the January window is seemingly being prepped.

His arrival could even spell the end of Arthur Melo’s ill-fated loan stint at Anfield.

FULHAM TARGET DEAL FOR UNWANTED ARSENAL MAN

Fulham are looking to raid Arsenal in January by securing a move for Cedric Soares.

The Portuguese right-back has fallen down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta, having made 59 appearances for the Gunners. However, just four of those have come this season, with Cedric behind Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu in the pecking order.

As such, Arsenal are ready to listen to offers for the 31-year-old. He currently has 18 months left on his current deal. However, he could be allowed to move on for around £8m next month.

According to Sky Sports, Fulham are in the running to sign him with Cottagers boss Marco Silva an admirer.

Silva wants to add more Premier League know-how to his defence as they look to consolidate their position in the top flight.

The Cottagers are currently riding high in ninth, with five wins from their 15 games. However, they only have a six-point buffer to the drop zone and Silva is all too aware of how quickly things can change.

Cedric is represented by well-known agent Kia Joorabchian, who helped bring Willian to Craven Cottage in the summer.

His sale will be added to Arteta’s January transfer pot, which is thought to be around £50m.

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