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Man Utd handed blow with Benfica set to hand new contract to Goncalo Ramos

Manchester United have been handed a blow for the January transfer window with Benfica ready to hand a new long-term contract to striker Goncalo Ramos.

The 21-year-old has been in superb form for the Portuguese outfit this term, registering 14 goals and six assists from just 21 appearances across all competitions.

United have been linked with a possible £35 million bid for Ramos in January, but their chances could be dashed with Benfica set to reward him with a renewal, as per Record.

His current contract with a £103.5m release clause expires in June 2025. Benfica are ready to hand him a new and improved deal while maintaining the same buy-out clause.

United will have to look elsewhere for striker signing

The Red Devils currently have Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial as centre-forward options, but the latter has been largely injury-prone during the ongoing season.

Hence, the club need another signing in the department, particularly after Cristiano Ronaldo’s release.

Ramos would be a quality acquisition with his strong finishing, hold-up play and ability to make key passes. At 21, he is yet to enter the prime of his playing career.

At £35m, he would be a bargain signing in the current market, but Benfica clearly don’t want to lose him and are planning to ‘shield him’ once he returns from the World Cup.

This does not necessarily rule out his departure in the near future. Benfica probably want to keep Ramos until the summer before selling him for a substantial transfer fee.

It will be interesting to see whether United will make a serious approach for him. The Red Devils are keeping tabs on several high-profile strikers including Napoli’s Victor Osimhen.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com