Fernandes says the striker is ready to leave Benfica (Picture: Getty)
Bruno Fernandes says Benfica star Goncalo Ramos has all the qualities to play for Manchester United and thrive in the Premier League.
Erik ten Hag has made signing a new striker a top priority this summer with Harry Kane the manager’s preferred option to lead the line next season.
United face a battle in prising the England star away from Tottenham, however, with chairman Daniel Levy determined to keep hold of him despite the risk of losing him on a free transfer next summer.
Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is also on the club’s shortlist of targets along with 21-year-old Ramos.
The striker enjoyed a breakout campaign for Portugal at the World Cup, stepping into the side to replace Cristiano Ronaldo at the knockout stages and scoring a memorable hat-trick against Switzerland.
Ramos helped Benfica secure another Portuguese title with 27 goals in all competitions this season with United star Fernandes confident he is ready to move onto the next level and become one of the best strikers in world football.
‘The best always come in handy, be it Gonçalo or another player,’ Fernandes told Sport TV, as reported by A Bola.
Ramos scored 19 league goals to help Benfica win the title (Picture: Getty)
‘I think he has all the qualities to play in the Premier League, and when I say Premier League I also mean Manchester United.
‘I think he could become a great reference in the coming years, but it’s still not in my hands to be sports director.’
He continued: ‘Gonçalo has all the conditions to play in the Premier League, he is very intense, presses very well and is very good inside the area.
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‘He surprised me in the national team, not only me but the rest of my teammates.
‘He’s physically strong, he’s still young and he’s going to get better.
‘If he continues to work as he has been doing, I think he has the potential to be one of the best strikers in the world, but he needs to go to a more competitive league to prove it.’
MORE : Harry Kane sent transfer message by Tottenham teammate Emerson Royal amid Manchester United links
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The 21-year-old is on United’s shortlist of striker targets.
