Romano says signing of ‘on fire’ €120m striker ‘won’t be easy’ as Man Utd show ‘most interest’

Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos is being watched by ‘many scouts’ across Europe, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Ramos caught the eye at the 2022 World Cup after he scored a hat-trick against Switzerland in the last 16.

Unfortunately for the 21-year-old and Portugal, Fernando Santos’ side were knocked out by Morocco in the next round.

Ramos has not let the disappointment in Qatar deter his stellar season with Benfica, however.

He continued his form in front of goal with a brace against Club Brugge in the Champions League on Tuesday as his side advanced to the last eight with a 7-1 aggregate win.

The Portugal international had four goal contributions across both last-16 legs and now has 32 in 34 matches across all competitions.

Benfica have a superb track record of signing and developing young players and selling them for an enormous amount of money, and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry thinks Ramos is next in line to depart for a huge fee.

“It never was a game really (Benfica vs Brugge),” Henry said.

“But Joao Mario giving the ball to Ramos and that’s what he does. This guy is on fire and he is from the academy. We spoke about the players that they sold. He is going to be, I think, the next one (to be sold).

“He has to do more (to earn a move),” added Henry. “It was a surprise what he did at the World Cup.

“I think if he carries on like that in the Champions League and they win the league, then he can make a case.”

Valued at €40million by Transfermarkt, Ramos’ release clause is actually worth exactly treble that figure.

According to Romano, negotiations with Benfica ‘will not be easy’ should clubs look to sign the 21-year-old in the summer transfer window.

Paris Saint-Germain ‘wanted’ to sign Ramos last summer but he was regarded as ‘untouchable’ by Benfica, Romano adds.

Meanwhile, a report from Portuguese newspaper Record claims that Man Utd are ‘showing the most interest’ in signing the young striker.

The Red Devils are in contact with the player’s agent Jorge Mendes as Erik ten Hag looks to sign a new no. 9.

Record claim that Benfica will find it ‘very difficult’ to keep hold of Ramos, who is apparently angry over the lack of contract talks after being promised an improved salary at the start of the season.

It is added that European champions Real Madrid are also keeping tabs on the Portuguese’s situation.

Interest from Madrid has also been confirmed by Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo.

Man Utd are expected to sign a new striker at the end of the season after getting rid of Cristiano Ronaldo last November.

They have also been linked with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Red Bull Salzburg’s Benjamin Sesko – though the latter is widely expected to join RB Leipzig this summer.

Ten Hag’s men will look to bounce back from Sunday’s embarrassing 7-0 defeat at Liverpool when they face Real Betis in the Europa League on Thursday.