Man Utd to enquire about Portugal striker Goncalo Ramos as they target three World Cup stars in January transfer window
MANCHESTER UNITED are set to enquire about Portugal ace Goncalo Ramos' availability after the 2022 World Cup, reports suggest.
Ramos has stood out this season with 14 goals and six assists in 21 appearances with Benfica and also registered a hat-trick for Portugal in their Last 16 clash against Switzerland.
According to , United will look to make a swoop for the striker in the January transfer window but a deal is in no way certain.
Manager Erik ten Hag is looking for a new centre-forward after Cristiano Ronaldo's dramatic exit.
Ronaldo was axed with immediate effect after his bombshell interview in which he slammed the club from top to bottom.
Ramos is seen as a suitable successor, and he proved it as he replaced the five-time Ballon d'Or winner against Switzerland and led Portugal to the World Cup quarter-finals after a 6-1 triumph.
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SunSport reported that United have been keeping tabs on the Portugal international since before Ronaldo's shock exit and face competition from Newcastle and Bayern Munich.
However, Ten Hag has been told a striker is not likely to move to Old Trafford next month.
That is because of significant budget constraints that occurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and an expensive summer transfer business.
United are also keeping tabs on Netherlands' Cody Gakpo as well as Ramos' Portugal team-mates Rafael Leao and Joao Felix.
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However, all of them come with a hefty price that has risen considerably after their World Cup exploits.
Benfica were open to selling Ramos for a mere €20million (£17m) before the start of the season but his price has now increased dramatically.
PSV Eindhoven star Cody Gakpo's €30m (£26m) valuation has almost doubled as he is now worth at least €50m (£43m).
Atletico Madrid star Felix has been made available by the Spanish giants after his fallout with manager Diego Simeone but will still cost €100m (£89m).
United have considered signing the forward on loan from Atletico in January with an obligation to buy at the end of the season.