Goncalo Ramos is on Erik ten Hag’s wish list at Manchester United (Reuters)

Erik ten Hag would like to see Manchester United sign Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos after he was beaten by Liverpool in the race for Cody Gakpo.

United had discussed the possibility of signing Gakpo from PSV in the summer, but agreed an £85 million deal for Antony.

Ten Hag’s side had maintained their interest in the Netherlands international and were expected to take a new approach in the January transfer window.

However, Liverpool rushed in and beat their Premier League rivals by signing a £50 million deal with PSV for the 23-year-old.

It is clear that United have not yet made an offer to PSV, while some of the club’s scouts were also reportedly not entirely convinced by Gakpo.

According to The Mirror, Ten Hag had made Gakpo one of his top goals for January, but the United manager is now aiming to sign Ramos.

Cody Gakpo goes to Liverpool (Image: Getty)

The Benfica striker, who scored a hat-trick for Portugal against Switzerland in the World Cup round of 16 earlier this month, has a €120 million escape clause in his current contract.

The 21-year-old has been in excellent form for Benfica this season, scoring nine goals in the league so far.

However, MailOnline reports that United will be forced to shop the credit market in January as the Glazers continue their attempts to sell the club.

Atletico Madrid striker Joao Felix is ​​an option for United, while a loan deal for Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic was also under consideration, it emerged earlier this month.

Ten Hag this week urged United not to rush the decision on a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo after the 37-year-old left the club during the World Cup.

“We are aware that we have lost a striker, so I think we need a striker, but it has to be the right one,” said Ten Hag.

“The right one is a player who brings quality to the team, not just something to the squad, because that will only create problems. And you know the criteria are high here at Manchester United.