Benfica ‘expecting’ Manchester United to pay Goncalo Ramos release clause and more transfer rumours

Man United's hunt for a striker could lead them to Benfica, according to the Portugal giant's president.

Benfica chief Rui Costa is reportedly expecting Manchester United to trigger the £103m release clause for striker Goncalo Ramos.

The attacker is of interest to Erik ten Hag, although no formal approach has yet been made. Ramos is one of several fall-back options to top target Harry Kane, who may end up staying at Tottenham amid Daniel Levy’s stubbornness over an exit.

United also have Rasmus Hojlund on their radar and have held talks regarding a transfer. Frankfurt star Randal Kolo Muani is also of interest. Ramos, 21, scored 27 club goals last season, not including his World Cup hat-trick for Portugal against Switzerland.

Interest in the attacker was expected and Correio da Manha (via Sports Mole) says Benfica have already turned down a £50m from an undisclosed club. Benfica president Costa Rui believes United could soon come in with an offer that will trigger his release clause, supposedly priced at £103m.

ALSO READ: Want to join our MUFC Pro club for a totally ad-free version of the MEN’s Man United app packed with premium features? Click here

Costa has made it clear his striker will not leave unless his buy-out clause is met, saying last season: “Fortunately, we are not experiencing financial problems and we have no need to sell players.”

Meanwhile, Benfica have ruled out a move for Alex Telles, Record states. Manager Roger Schmidt has apparently made it clear he is not interested in the United defender, who is expected to leave Old Trafford this summer.

Sevilla have indicated that they do not wish to bring him in permanently following last season’s loan spell, while a return to Porto seems most likely. Benfica fans have reportedly reacted angrily to suggestions Telles could move to their club.

He was seen holding aloft a scarf with a derogatory message about Benfica during Porto’s title celebrations in 2018 - something he later apologised for - but fans have not forgotten. Telles has 12 months left on his United deal having moved from Porto in 2020 for £13.6m.