Man Utd ‘fail’ with audacious swap deal offer; Ten Hag told ‘at least’ €60m is needed to sign top target
According to reports, Premier League giants Man Utd have attempted to sign Benfica forward Goncalo Ramos as part of a swap deal involving Alex Telles.
The Red Devils have already signed Mason Mount from Chelsea and Andre Onana is reportedly close to completing his move to Old Trafford.
But Erik ten Hag’s priority is to sign a new striker (or two) and he will no doubt be frustrated that United’s takeover saga is making him act in the transfer market with one hand tied behind his back.
Ten Hag is a big admirer of Tottenham’s Harry Kane, but they are looking at Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund as a cheaper alternative to the pricey Englishman.
Ramos is also being linked with Man Utd following his stunning season with Benfica in 2022/23. He scored 27 goals in 47 appearances for the Portuguese side last term.
And Caught Offside are now reporting that ‘United have failed with a bid for Benfica striker Ramos which included Brazilian left-back Telles as part of the deal’.
‘It remains to be seen if United will try again for Ramos’ and it’s also suggested that Telles currently ‘prefers’ a move back to Porto.
The report later points out the obvious by stating that Harry Maguire, Fred and Scott McTominay could be offloaded if Man Utd receive suitable bids. Fred’s departure looks most likely at this stage, with Fulham admirers of the midfielder.
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Regarding Hojlund, Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio is reporting that the talented young forward is going to cost “at least €60m” this summer.
“Rasmus Højlund has the same agent as Erik ten Hag and he has been talking to the player for a long time. The player would like to join Manchester United but Atalanta haven’t received any official offer for the player yet,” Di Marzio told wettfreunde.
“The agent has informed Atalanta that Manchester United want the player. Atalanta will sell the player if they get a good offer but they want at least €60m.
“I think it’s probably because Atalanta know it’s almost impossible to keep the player but they want the right offer.”
On Atalanta’s reported interest in Mason Greenwood, Di Marzio added: “I haven’t heard Mourinho called Mason Greenwood so I don’t think Greenwood can go to AS Roma.
“But if Højlund joins Manchester United, they might have to find a new solution for Greenwood, but it won’t be a problem for Greenwood because he’s a player that interests many teams.
“Atalanta have denied that Greenwood would be part of a swap with me for Højlund, but I think Manchester United will find a solution for Greenwood. Even in the Premier League.”