Sources: Man United plotting to sign Harry Kane alternative for £35m less than release clause
Man United are plotting a summer deal for Benfica star Goncalo Ramos if they fail in their pursuit of Tottenham's Harry Kane, sources have told Football Insider.
Sources told this site on Monday (3 April) that Kane, 29, is reluctant to sign a new contract at Spurs as United line up a summer bid.
But it is believed that red-hot Portugal international Ramos, 21, is seen as a contingency option in case a deal for the England captain doesn't materialise.
The Benfica star has a reported £105million release clause in his contract, which is set to expire in June 2026.
However, it is believed that Benfica will accept a bid of around £70million for Ramos.
The forward was the subject of reported interest from Southampton after scoring eight goals in 46 games during the 2021-22 campaign.
But Ramos' stock has risen to new heights after a 2022-23 campaign which has seen him notch 25 goals and 10 assists across 37 appearances.
He also made a splash at the World Cup in Qatar last year, scoring a hattrick in Portugal's Round of 16 clash with Switzerland.
Man United are desperate to land a marquee striker signing this summer as they eye a tilt at the Premier League title in the 2023-24 season.
Erik ten Hag currently has Wout Weghorst and Anthony Martial to deploy in the number nine role, while Marcus Rashford has also led the line this term.
Football Insider revealed on 21 February that Man United are not expected to complete the permanent signing of on-loan Burnley striker Weghorst in the summer window.
The Red Devils have slipped out of the Premier League top four after a horrible run of recent form.
They can strengthen their case for Champions League qualification with a win over Brentford on Wednesday (5 April).