Man Utd target World Cup star to replace Ronaldo, it could help Arsenal sign Gakpo

Manchester United view Portugal star Goncalo Ramos as a potential replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.

United and Ronaldo parted ways last month after the club agreed to terminate his contract following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan.

United are now searching for a replacement for the 37-year-old striker, who is yet to confirm his next move after leaving Old Trafford.

According to The Telegraph, United may look to sign another Portuguese player to replace Ronaldo.

It is claimed that Erik ten Hag's side are lining up a potential bid for Benfica striker Ramos.

Ramos replaced Ronaldo in Portugal starting line-up at the World Cup, scoring a hat-trick in their 6-1 win over Switzerland in the round of 16.

He kept his place in the side for their quarter-final against Morocco, which ended in a disappointing 1-0 defeat for the Portuguese on Saturday.

Nevertheless, United have been impressed by the striker's performances for both club and country.

'Ramos being discussed at United'

“Goncalo Ramos is one of the names being discussed behind the scenes at Old Trafford. The club could turn to the man who has replaced their former star in the Portugal national team,” wrote The Telegraph's Luke Edwards.

“Ramos was already being watched by scouts from a number of top European sides after stepping out of the shadow of Darwin Nunez. United were already tracking Ramos’s progress closely, something welcomed by Ten Hag when he took over as manager seven months ago.”

United could struggle to sign Ramos in January, however, with Benfica's president Rui Costa declaring that the player will not be sold unless his huge €120m (£103m) release clause is met.

United's Ramos interest could help Arsenal sign Gakpo

United have also been strongly linked with a move for PSV Eindhoven striker Cody Gakpo, who also impressed at the World Cup for the Netherlands.

Gakpo scored in every group game for the Dutch, who were beaten on penalties by Argentina in the quarter-finals in Qatar.

United boss Ten Hag held talks with Gakpo in the summer and the Red Devils are thought be preparing an approach for the winger in January.

But they could face competition for his signature, with Arsenal also interested in signing Gakpo.

Should United turn their attention to Ramos, it might allow Arsenal an advantage in the race to sign Gakpo, who has kept tight-lipped about his future.

Speaking prior to the Netherlands' elimination from the World Cup, Gakpo told De Telegraaf: "As it stands now, I will still be playing for PSV after the winter break.

"But as I said before the start of the World Cup: we will see what will happen."