Manchester United 'willing to pay' release clause for star striker and more transfer rumours

Manchester United are 'willing to pay' the release clause in Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos' contract in a bid to lure him to Old Trafford this forthcoming summer.

That is according to a report by Portuguese outlet A Bola, as cited by the Mirror, who claim that United are 'ready to bow' to Benfica's financial demands. The Reds are determined to add a striker to their ranks ahead of next season and Ramos is on a long list of candidates they are running the rule over.

United have struggled to score goals this season, despite the contributions of Marcus Rashford, and must add a proven goalscorer to their ranks if they are to kick-on under Erik ten Hag next season. They have scored just 41 times in the Premier League this season and that is the joint-worst record of any side currently inside the top eight.

READ MORE: Erik ten Hag wants United to be ruthless in summer window

Ramos, who made a name for himself during last year's World Cup, netting a hat-trick as Portugal beat Switzerland 6-1 at the round-of-16 stage, is understood to be under contract at Benfica until 2026. However, he does have a release clause in his current deal that is reportedly worth £105.4million.

The report claims that Benfica are not under any pressure to sell the 21-year-old and they will demand that his release clause is triggered before they consider the idea of letting him go. He has been in sensational form in Portugal this season, plundering 25 goals and grabbing ten assists in just 37 appearances.

In total, Ramos has scored 39 goals and registered 14 assists in 96 appearances for Benfica. He has been on their books since the age of just 12.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa are said to have 'set their sights' on United goalkeeper Dean Henderson ahead of