This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
Before a ball had been kicked in Southampton’s clash against Everton, something potentially agonising was on the horizon for the Saints if they suffered another defeat.
If Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side allowed the Merseysiders to get the better of them, it would mean that the Saints found themselves on the exact amount of points that they had after 12 games of the Premier League campaign last term.
We detailed how such a defeat would ‘signal an agonising moment’ for the south coast side, and as we speak now, such a grim potentiality has become a bleak reality.
Goals from Tom Davies and Richarlison sandwiched a solitary Danny Ings strike to hand Southampton an eighth Premier League defeat of the season, leaving Hasenhuttl’s side just a point off the bottom of the table.
After the 12th Premier League game of the 2018/19 campaign – a 1-1 draw with Watford – Southampton again had just eight points and were sat two places above their current position in 17th.
Incidentally, such form cost Mark Hughes his job just two games later following a 2-2 draw against Manchester United on December 1, with the former Manchester City boss handed his P45 on the third of that month having amassed nine points from 14.
By that logic, can we expect to see Hasenhuttl’s job in danger if he too adds just one more point from the next two games?
Perhaps not, as it has been reported that the former RB Leipzig boss retains the full backing of the board.
However, what you cannot dismiss is the fact that the wheels are truly not in motion at St Mary’s.
Absolutely no progress has been made from the Hughes tenure despite Hasenhuttl’s arrival and two £15m signings being made in the shape of Che Adams and Moussa Djenepo.
Amidst all the doom and gloom on the south coast right now, this detail must be one of the bleakest.
Glasgow Rangers chiefs Nils Koppen and Philippe Clement attempted to energise the squad at Ibrox during the recent summer transfer window.
The Gers started the process by allowing Jon McLaughlin, Kemar Roofe, Ryan Jack, Borna Barisic, and John Lundstram to all move on as free agents at the end of May.
That opened the door for the Light Blues to make moves to strengthen their options across the park, with Jefte, Liam Kelly, Mohammed Diomande, Oscar Cortes, Clinton Nsiala, Connor Barron, Vaclav Cerny, Hamza Igamane, and Robin Propper all arriving before deadline day.
Then, on the final day of the window, the Scottish giants were able to secure two new additions, with Neraysho Kasanwirjo joining on loan from Feyenoord and Nedim Bajrami signing permanently from Sassuolo.
The free agent departures were not enough to make room for all of those fresh signings, however, and Rangers did cash in on a number of other first-team operators.
Connor Goldson, Todd Cantwell, Robby McCrorie, Scott Wright, Ben Davies, Sam Lammers, and Jose Cifuentes all left either permanently or on loan.
How much Rangers sold Sam Lammers for
The Gers cashed in on the Dutch forward, who had only joined the previous summer, earlier this year as FC Twente swooped in to sign him.
Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph claimed that the Dutch side have paid an initial fee of £2.5m and that the deal could rise to as much as £4m, including add-ons.
This means that it remains to be seen whether the Light Blues will make a profit or a loss on the player they paid £3m to sign from Atalanta last year.
Rangers forward Sam Lammers.
Lammers was signed by Michael Beale at Ibrox and endured a difficult first half of the season under the English coach and, then, Clement when the Dutchman replaced him.
The 27-year-old dud featured regularly in the first few months of the campaign, starting ten of his 17 appearances in the Scottish Premiership, but did not make much of an impact on the pitch.
He produced just one goal and two assists as an attacking midfielder in those 17 league matches before being sent out on loan to Utrecht for the second half of the season.
Appearances
18
Goals
10
Big chances created
5
Assists
3
Key passes per game
1.1
As you can see in the table above, the left-footed forward fared far better in his home country with an outstanding return of 13 goal contributions in 18 Eredivisie matches.
His sensational form on loan with Utrecht may have helped the Gers to recoup at least £2.5m from FC Twente for his services this summer, which means that Rangers may not have had a huge howler with their £3m deal to sign him last year.
Whereas, one of their other sales this year – Cantwell – ensured that they did have a howler in the transfer market, following his move to Blackburn Rovers for even less money.
How much Rangers paid for Todd Cantwell
Beale signed the former England U21 international from Championship side Norwich City in January 2023 for a reported fee of £1.5m in his first transfer window in charge.
That move came less than two years after Sky Sports had claimed that it would take a fee of up to £50m to sign the midfielder from the Canaries, amid interest from Aston Villa at the time.
Todd Cantwell
Cantwell was preparing for the 2021/22 Premier League season with Norwich at the time and went on to fail to register a goal or an assist in eight games, before going out on loan to Bournemouth for the second half of the campaign.
His struggles in England led him up to Scotland to sign for Rangers and the attacking midfielder hit the ground running with a return of six goals and four assists in 16 Premiership matches in the second half of the 2022/23 season.
Journalist Josh Bunting described him as "outstanding" that term and it is not hard to see why, when you consider his ten direct goal involvements in just 16 appearances.
Unfortunately, however, Cantwell's story at Ibrox ended in disappointing fashion last month with his move back to England to join Blackburn.
How much Rangers sold Cantwell for
Rangers had a howler with the English attacker as it was reported that they cashed in on him for a fee of just £500k on deadline day, which is a third of the price they paid to sign him and at least £2m less than the fee they received for Lammers from Twente.
This means that the Light Blues made a significant, 66.6%, loss on the former Canaries star, despite him only turning 26 earlier this year and being in the prime years of his career, in theory.
The 26-year-old maestro was not involved in the first-team at the start of this season with Rangers because he handed in a transfer request to move on.
Whether it was down to a lack of interest in him or because the Gers were unwilling to let him go at first remains unclear but selling a 26-year-old, English, attacking midfielder with Premier League experience off the back of a solid season in the Premiership for just £500k is a howler on paper.
Cantwell, irrespective of his transfer request, was a valuable asset at Ibrox. He was valued at €8.5m (£7.1m) by Transfermarkt after his showings in the Scottish top-flight last term.
Appearances
30
Goals
7
Big chances created
7
Assists
5
Key passes per game
1.7
As you can see in the table above, the Rangers magician produced 14 goals and 'big chances' created in 30 appearances in the division for Beale and Clement combined.
Despite that, along with his age and experience at the top level in England, the Gers had to settle for a measly £500k fee and made a £1m loss on him this summer.
Therefore, the Gers had a howler with Cantwell this year and this may be one they look back on with regret, particularly if he goes on to star with Blackburn in the Championship.
Rangers could forget Ezodie by signing "unbelievable" free agent at Ibrox
The Light Blues missed out on the Premier League attacker on deadline day.
Sheffield Wednesday have had a bit of a reality check in recent weeks, highlighting the need to potentially bring in players on free transfers this month, and Football FanCast have looked into three possible free agent targets.
Sheffield Wednesday struggling after good start
The Owls made a flying start to their Championship this season, thumping Plymouth Argyle on the opening weekend of the campaign, but they have come crashing back down to reality since then.
Danny Rohl's side have lost their last three league games, against Sunderland, Leeds United and Millwall, failing to score a single goal in that time.
Wednesday made plenty of new signings in the summer window, snapping up Ike Ugbo on a permanent deal and also bringing in the likes of Jamal Lowe, Yan Valery and Olaf Kobacki, but their squad still arguably looks short. Here are three possible options that Rohl could look to bring in on free transfers in September.
Liam Cooper
Liam Cooper was a true stalwart for Leeds during a decade-long spell at Elland Road, captaining the side during their promotion under Marcelo Bielsa, but that came to an end when last season reached its conclusion. The Scot is now on the lookout for another club and would be available on a free.
The 33-year-old could be perfect for Wednesday, already knowing the Yorkshire area well and possessing the experience and ability needed at the back. He should be able to suit Rohl's ball-playing style, too, considering his time under Bielsa.
A return to the Whites has been mooted, with a move to Hull City collapsing, showing that there is still strong Championship interest in Cooper, and the Owls should look to snap him up and make him a regular starter at the heart of their defence.
Appearances
16
Starts
8
Aerial duel wins per game
1.9
Clearances per game
1.7
Interceptions per game
0.9
Goals
1
Pass completion rate
90.1%
Paul Dummett
Paul Dummett will never be thought of as the most spectacular footballer to have played the game, but he proved to be such a safe pair of hands over 14 years at Newcastle United.
During that period, the centre-back made 151 appearances in the Premier League, saying a lot about the consistency he found at the highest level, as well as winning five caps for Wales.
Like Cooper, Dummett is now an ageing player – he turns 33 later this month – but his experience in the game would help shore up a Wednesday defence that has already leaked nine goals in four league outings. Players of his ilk are often appreciated more at this stage of their careers, when their nous shines through, and the fact he can play multiple defensive positions is an added bonus.
Lucas Joao
Lucas Joao enjoyed a good stint at Wednesday between 2015 and 2019, proving to be an important player and registering 42 goal contributions (29 goals and 13 assists).
Now a free agent after departing Qatari side Umm Salal earlier this year, the former Portugal and now current Angola international would provide Rohl with extra attacking firepower that is badly needed, following the aforementioned trio of Championship games without a goal.
Supporters may be split when it comes to a Joao reunion, considering he is now 30 years of age and arguably not the force he was first time around, but he knows the club well and could battle the likes of Ugbo for playing time.
Championship Table: Latest standings for the 2024/25 season
Latest English Football League Championship standings 2024/25.
Wolverhampton Wanderers have been chucked right back into the thick of the Premier League, having lost against Arsenal in the opening game of the season, now awaiting Chelsea’s trip to Molineux on Sunday.
The forthcoming fixture will provide Pedro Neto with an early – and fleeting – homecoming after joining the Blues in a £54m deal earlier in August, with his sale potentially opening up space to make a few more signings before next weekend’s deadline.
Wolves winger Pedro Neto
Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale is being pursued to strengthen between the sticks, but Wolves might actually be keen on landing another midfielder too.
Wolves transfer news
According to TNT Sports’ Aline Nastari, Wolves are interested in signing Fluminense star Andre this month, with Manchester United also known admirers.
Fluminense midfielder Andre
An official offer has not been made but talks have been held between the Old Gold and the player’s representatives, and a late-stage bid might be forthcoming.
Fulham had held a vested interest in the Brazilian for many months, though ended their pursuit after signing Sander Berge from Burnley having been dissuaded by Fluminense’s €35m (£30m) demands.
What Andre would bring to Wolves
There’s combative, and then there’s combative. Andre loves to get busy in the centre, relishes it. Hailed as a “monster” of a player by journalist Fernando Campos, he has been essential to his outfit’s success over the past few years, winning the Copa Libertadores in 2023, bringing forceful energy and high athletic distinction.
Fluminense midfielder Andre
As per FBref, the sitting midfielder also ranks among the top 1% of midfielders across divisions similar to the Brasileiro Serie A for pass completion and the top 10% for passes attempted per 90. A high-class distributor, he would add to the intensity and fluency of Gary O’Neil’s system.
On that note, O’Neil triumphed with Wolves last season despite fading at the late stage, showcasing strategic versatility and ekeing every ounce of potential out of his robust midfielders: Joao Gomes and Mario Lemina, the latter of which saw his ground-covering numbers rise considerably.
Wolves are nicely stocked in the engine room but Lemina is 30 and out of contract at the end of the season (albeit with the option to extend for an additional year).
By all accounts, the 23-year-old has the talent to thrive in the Premier League, and he might even forge a deadly partnership with his tough-tackling countryman in the years to come, most certainly repeating the masterclass that was signing ‘the Pitbull’ from Flamengo for about £15m in January 2023.
Matches (starts)
34 (32)
11 (11)
Goals
2
0
Assists
1
1
Touches*
51.9
78.4
Pass completion
83%
95%
Key passes*
0.6
0.5
Dribbles*
0.8
0.9
Ball recoveries*
5.4
7.5
Tackles*
3.8
2.2
Total duels won*
6.2 (50%)
5.5 (54%)
Described as an “accurate & tenacious tackler” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Gomes is more insistent upon his defensive approach than Andre, but the two could work in dynamic flux at the core of the Wolves team, blending ball-playing expertise and intense defensive security, feeding into each other’s skillset.
One thing’s for certain, Wolves would hit the jackpot in signing Andre, who has been profiled and coveted by a number of Premier League outfits over the past few years. After all, Fosun have already found an immense gain in dipping into the Brazilian market for an up-and-coming midfielder – just look at Gomes.
Wolves to battle for dream Kilman replacement who has "kept Haaland quiet"
They are going head-to-head with another PL club to sign him
Sky Sports journalist Massimo Marianella has teased a potential Tottenham Hotspur swoop for marquee Napoli striker Victor Osimhen if Harry Kane leaves.
Who will Spurs sign this summer?
The incoming arrival of new manager Ange Postecoglou has birthed many transfer rumours in the last few weeks with Spurs sealing a deal for Empoli goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.
Lead by chairman Daniel Levy, in the absence of an out-and-out sporting director, Tottenham are looking to bolster many key areas of the squad this summer with fresh faces.
Vicario will come in to succeed the potentially departing Hugo Lloris but Spurs are also rumoured to have given the green-light for a central defensive signing.
Postecoglou apparently wants a new attacking midfielder on top of that, leading to their serious and advancing interest in Leicester City star James Maddison.
Kane, who starred for Spurs last season, is also being linked with a move away again and reports out of Germany state that Bayern Munich are hotting up their pursuit.
Man United and Chelsea are in the running for Kane too, with Sky reporter Marianella hinting that they could move for Osimhen if the England international departs.
Napoli strikerVictor Osimhen.
Speaking on Sky Sport 24, via Tutto Napoli.net, the journalist hinted at an ambitious swoop for Osimhen from Spurs with Chelsea also apparently set to make contact.
"Tottenham are a team with medium-high ambitions that are changing everything," said Marianella.
"There will be a new manager, who will be the Australian from Greece Postecoglou. Many players will leave, the new manager may not even find Kane if the English centre forward were to go to Manchester United, Bayern Munich or Chelsea.
"They say that even Chelsea are about to make a phone call to Napoli for Osimhen. It seems that one door is closed, which is that of Real Madrid, the two most open to catch a striker remain Manchester United and PSG. At that point, a place would also open up at Tottenham."
Who is Victor Osimhen?
Signing the Nigeria international would be an ambitious and sensational move by Spurs, though his marquee reported €120 million (£103m) price tag is quite a large barrier.
There is little doubting Osimhen's quality, though, with the former Lille star notching an incredible 26 goals and four assists in just 32 Serie A appearances last season.
Gary Lineker has called the 24-year-old's form "consistently impressive", while members of the press like ESPN's Colin Udoh believe he is a "monster" in the final third.
Manchester United are reportedly interested in sealing a move for Nice defender, Jean-Clair Todibo, as manager Erik ten Hag seeks to strengthen his centre-back ranks this summer.
What's the latest on Todibo to Man United?
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Red Devils are believed to be keeping tabs on the 23-year-old, alongside Monaco's Axel Disasi, as the Premier League giants plot alternatives to Bayern Munich target, Kim Min-jae.
Writing on Twitter, the transfer insider stated: "Axel Disasi remains concrete name in the list at Manchester United in case Kim Min-jae will end up joining Bayern as expected [next week will be crucial for Kim deal].
"Man Utd also sent their scouts to follow Jean Clair Todibo multiple times — no decision made yet."
The signing of the 6 foot 3 Frenchman – who still has four years left to run on his existing deal – could reportedly cost United a fee in the region of £26m, according to reports in Spain (via Football365).
Who is Jean-Clair Todibo?
Lauded as the "French Wall" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the former Barcelona man – who made the move to his current side back in 2021 – could well be the figure to replace club captain Harry Maguire in Ten Hag's squad next season, with the England international having been linked with an exit from the club of late.
The £80m man was branded a "walking disaster" by journalist Samuel Luckhurst during the 2021/22 campaign and continued those woes last season, having notably slipped down the pecking order after being restricted to just eight Premier League starts.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire.
With a departure likely to be in the best interest of all parties – despite the 30-year-old's apparent desire to stay put – Ten Hag could well hasten the former Leicester City man's exit by bringing Todibo into the fold over the coming weeks and months.
Not only would the one-time Toulouse starlet represent a more long-term option due to his relative youth, but he is also seemingly a much better asset in the short-term, such is his superior quality both in and out of possession.
With Maguire representing something of a liability when playing out from the back – as his clumsy error in the defeat away to Sevilla showcased – the Sheffield native notably ranks in just the bottom 47% for progressive passes and only the top 48% for pass completion, while Todibo, by contrast, ranks in the top 12% and the top 20% for those same two metrics respectively.
Equally, the latter man also appears to offer a greater ball-winning presence than the current United skipper as he ranks in the top 8% for tackles made, with Maguire ranking in just the bottom 15% in that regard.
With Todibo coming off the back of a season in which he started 33 Ligue 1 games – averaging 3.4 tackles and interceptions combined per game in that time – the towering gem could well aim to replicate that stellar form at Old Trafford, while in turn allowing Ten Hag to finally show his club captain the door.
Glasgow Rangers head coach Michael Beale has been a busy man so far this summer in an attempt to bolster his playing squad for the 2023/24 campaign.
The club have already confirmed deals for Jack Butland, Kieran Dowell, Sam Lammers, and Dujon Sterling to improve their options across the pitch after they failed to win a single trophy last season.
Lammers is the most recent arrival to date as the Light Blues confirmed the signing on a four-year deal from Serie A side Atalanta earlier this week.
However, Beale could make further improvements to his forward line as the Scottish giants have also been linked with a swoop for Hearts centre-forward Lawrence Shankland in recent weeks.
Would Lawrence Shankland be a good signing for Rangers?
The 27-year-old whiz has the potential to be a phenomenal addition to the squad in this summer's transfer window as his form in 2022/23 indicates that the deadly marksman could be an instant upgrade on Lammers in the number nine position.
Shankland is coming off the back of an incredible season in the Scottish Premiership and has proven himself to be a lethal player at that level.
He averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.11 across 37 matches in the division and chipped in with 24 goals and four assists, whilst the former Dundee United ace also found the back of the net three times in eight European matches for his club.
Hearts attacker Lawrence Shankland.
The Scotland international, therefore, ended the campaign with 28 goals and four assists in 47 appearances in all competitions and his exceptional return in front of goal was far more impressive than what Lammers has displayed in recent seasons.
During the 2022/23 campaign, the Dutchman played in 33 Serie A matches for Empoli and Sampdoria combined across two loan spells from Atalanta and plundered just two goals and two assists.
His poor form in Italy came after the 26-year-old forward managed one goal and zero assists in 15 outings in the Bundesliga on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt in the previous term, in which the misfiring attacker also scored once in seven Europa League clashes.
Lammers is, therefore, coming to Ibrox in terrible form in front of goal and it may take time for him to be able to rediscover his touch in the final third, if he ever does, and that is why bringing Shankland in could be an immediate upgrade as the Hearts sensation is full of confidence and in sublime form.
The £3k-per-week goal machine, who was once hailed as "clinical" by journalist Josh Bunting, is a proven Premiership performer who knows what it takes to be a consistent scorer in Scotland, which could allow him to hit the ground running and offer more than the ex-Atalanta dud straight away.
Chelsea have a long summer of player sales ahead of them after dramatically splashing the cash in recent windows, and one of those tipped for a potential exit is youth product Trevoh Chalobah, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
With Mateo Kovacic nearing a move to Premier League rivals Manchester City and N'Golo Kante seemingly the next big star to swap the English top-flight for the Saudi Pro League, the 23-year-old could be the another name to depart Stamford Bridge this summer.
What's the latest on Trevoh Chalobah?
Chalobah has been a Chelsea player since starting his youth career at the club in 2007, but with the uncertainty surrounding his future, he has been linked with a move to Inter Milan.
According to Football Insider, the Italian giants made initial enquiries about the possibility of a transfer for the 6 foot 4 defender back in January and have now moved things along by officially registering their interest with the West London club.
Despite spending his entire career thus far at the two-time European champions, the player himself is also 'keen to hold talks' with the blue side of Milan.
"He would be one of the names that I'd have on a list of potential exits, for sure," Jones recently told GIVEMESPORT before providing a further behind-the-scenes perspective from the club, he added:
"But I think that there are definitely people within the club that still admire him and think he is capable of playing at this level."
However, the Blues are in a place of relative strength with a potential deal, as Chalobah still has five years left to run on his £50k-per-week contract.
Internazionale could also be pulled into a bidding war over the player, as Brighton and Hove Albion have also been linked to the England youth international, who is currently valued at £33m by FootballTransfers.
Trevoh-Chalobah-Chelsea
Could Trevoh Chalobah fight for his place at Chelsea?
By all accounts, it does sound like the defensive "monster" – as once hailed by football scout Jacek Kulig – is set to leave Stamford Bridge in the summer, but should he stay and fight?
The first major obstacle in his way is the sheer number of defenders at the club, the sort that have cost the board a significant amount of money.
Wesley Fofana, for example, cost £75m last summer, Benoit Badiashile cost £35m in January, and the struggling Kalidou Koulibaly even cost around £33m.
Beyond those big-money signings, you also have the evergreen Thiago Silva, who has probably been the team's best defender despite moving on a free.
So there is a lot of competition, but how has Chalobah fared against them when he's played?
WhoScored has given the youngster an average rating of 6.47 in the league this year, which is a lot lower than the aforementioned quartet – Silva sits on 7.07, Badiashile on 6.91, Fofana on 6.90 and even Koulibaly hits 6.83.
Unfortunately, with even the much-criticised Koulibaly achieving a higher average rating in the league this year, a regular starting spot for Chalobah seems unlikely heading into next season under Pochettino.
Ultimately, it looks like a move to Serie A might be what's best for both parties, with Fikayo Tomori a fine example of what could happen should he take the plunge.
Chelsea could, in turn, profit from a player who doesn't get much game time, and Chalobah himself can get another chance to earn regular first-team football.
Arsenal's relentless pursuit to end Manchester City's stranglehold on the Premier League failed this season, but as a club, they still took huge strides forward.
The hope will be that, following another summer of strong investment, Mikel Arteta can guide his team one step further and actually topple Pep Guardiola's seemingly unstoppable side, who could still claim a famous treble with two games of their campaign left to play.
What aided their progression last year was the gifts they were handed by their rivals, as the Cityzens gladly sanctioned the sales of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko to the Emirates. Whilst both were unassuming deals for second-choice players on the surface, their impact was revolutionary.
Their shared title-winning mindset transformed the team, from a side that failed in their pursuit of the top four the year prior to having just finished second.
oleksandr-zinchenko-arsenal
It seems like Guardiola is unable to learn from these mistakes too, as reports are suggesting he is once again willing to sell to these same rivals and their nearest competition in the race for next season's Premier League trophy.
Whilst he is clearly incensed to offload Joao Cancelo, as reported by Fabrizio Romano earlier this week, with Bayern Munich refusing to pay the €70m (£60m) buy-out clause, north London could instead mark his new permanent home.
Would Joao Cancelo be a success at Arsenal?
Seeing as Zinchenko allowed Arteta to fully disseminate his philosophy throughout the squad, becoming the key inverted full-back he desperately craved, securing another one would arguably perfect his system both defensively and offensively.
Given the success the Portugal international has had in such a role in recent years, there is precedent to believe that he could outdo sporting director Edu Gaspar's prior masterclass with the Ukrainian defender.
Having maintained a 7.07 average rating the term before moving, this year his 6.93 average rating somewhat belies his importance to the side. An 88% pass accuracy and 0.7 key passes per game outline him as a true creative threat from deep, with a 63% dribble success rate supplementing this, via Sofascore.
However, in his last full season at the Etihad, Cancelo surpassed these levels with ease, maintaining a 7.33 average rating and arguably bringing such an unknown position into the wider-known footballing world.
This figure was buoyed by his seven assists and 1.1 key passes, 2.3 tackles and 1.6 successful dribbles per game, via Sofascore. His ability to step into the midfield and forge chances spurred writer Michael Cox to coin his position the: "full-back-deep-playmaker".
Such unparalleled form even led former Aston Villa right-back Ahmed Elmohamady to write at the time: "PEP has improved so many players over the years but Cancelo became a world-class player".
Whilst Zinchenko has been exemplary, Cancelo walked so the 26-year-old could run. Guardiola fashioned this role from the qualities of the 29-year-old, so signing him could take them to another level, outdoing Edu's previous success in buying straight from an all too familiar rival.
Manchester United are reportedly still keeping tabs on Benfica sensation, Goncalo Ramos ahead of the summer transfer window, as Erik ten Hag's search for a new centre-forward continues.
What's the latest on Ramos to Man United?
According to Manchester Evening News, the 21-year-old is said to be among the alternative options that United are considering this summer, with the Old Trafford outfit holding the belief that leading target, Harry Kane, will not be sold by Tottenham Hotspur.
The report suggests that the Red Devils are 'actively pursuing' other targets due to the potential concern surrounding a move for the England skipper, with Ramos one of those who is said to be admired by Ten Hag.
This follows a report from Football Insider last month which also suggested that the Carabao Cup winners are plotting a move for the Portugal international, with it believed that a fee of around £70m will be enough to secure a deal.
Should Man United sign Ramos?
While it is evident that Ten Hag and co consider Kane their "leading option" to spearhead the attack next season – according to 90min's Graeme Bailey – it is seemingly wise not to get drawn into protracted negotiations with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy, even though the 29-year-old would be an attractive option after bagging 28 Premier League goals this season.
Turning to Ramos, however, would certainly soften the blow of missing out on the Three Lions star, with the emerging gem having also been in prolific form in his homeland of late, having bagged 26 goals and provided 12 assists in 46 games across all fronts this season.
The striking "monster" – as hailed by journalist Antonio Mango – also catapulted himself into wider focus after bagging a hat-trick for his country against Switzerland at the World Cup back in December, having subsequently been branded "remarkable" by broadcaster, Gary Lineker.
Benfica's Goncalo Ramos
Unlike Kane – who could represent a "shorter-term fix", according to the Telegraph's James Ducker – Ramos' relative youth would ensure that he could be United's figurehead over the next decade or so, preventing the need to dip into the market again in a few years' time.
It would also be a mouthwatering prospect to have the Olhao native being supported by compatriot Bruno Fernandes in that playmaking berth, with the midfield maestro having the creative quality to be able to regularly supply the goods for his international colleague.
That ability to provide a quality final ball is showcased by the fact that Fernandes has remarkably created 32 big chances this season – the most in the Premier League – albeit while only tallying eight assists so far, proving the need for a more ruthless attacking presence ahead of him.
On the evidence of Ramos' form for both club and country in recent times, the 6 foot 1 "animal" – as hailed by Fernandes – could represent the missing piece in Ten Hag's attacking unit.