17 July 2023 , 10:33
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Manchester United look set to miss out on a deal for Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos after failing to heed the glowing endorsement that the Portugal star was given by Bruno Fernandes.
Signing an elite No.9 was Erik ten Hag's most pressing priority heading into the summer transfer window and the Dutchman is expected to push on with his search for a forward after striking a deal in principle for Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana.
A host of prolific names have already been linked with a switch to Old Trafford including Ramos, who caught the eye at the World Cup. The 22-year-old also enjoyed a fine domestic campaign with Benfica, where he plundered 27 goals in all competitions.
However, interest from United has so far failed to materialise into anything concrete - and Portuguese outlet CM have now outlined that French giants Paris Saint-Germain are in pole position to snap up the sought-after striker after tabling a €80million (£68.5m) proposal for Ramos.
After splashing out an initial £55m on a deal for Mason Mount and agreeing a substantial fee for Onana, Manchester United are unlikely to have the financial capacity to outgun PSG in the race to acquire Ramos, meaning the club and Ten Hag may now have to look elsewhere.
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Speaking back in May, Fernandes talked up Ramos' abilities and made it clear that his compatriot was capable of starring for an elite Premier League club like Manchester United.
Fernandes said, via Record: "Here, the best players will always be valued, be it Goncalo or someone else. I think he has all the qualities to play in the Premier League, and when I say in the Premier League, I also mean Manchester United.
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Bruno Fernandes tipped Goncalo Ramos for a move to Manchester United as recently as May (Getty Images)"I think he could become a great reference in years to come. But it is still not in my hands, it is up to the sporting director. When I am in that position, I will make those decisions."
While Ramos is believed to still be of interest to Manchester United, the club have been extensively linked with Atalanta prodigy Rasmus Hojlund in recent weeks.
The 20-year-old emerged as a target for United following a breakthrough campaign in Italy and the club are expected to firm up their interest once the formalities of a deal for Onana are concluded in the coming days.
Hojlund, a fully-fledged Denmark international, has already been the subject of talks between Manchester United and Atalanta. United are willing to send Amad, who they acquired from Atalanta three years ago, back to the Italian outfit on loan as part of any deal for Hojlund.
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