Manchester United have stumbled across a familiar problem as they attempt to seal a deal for Joao Felix having been beaten to the signature of Cody Gakpo by fierce rivals Liverpool.
Red Devils' boss Erik ten Hag is seemingly keen to add a new forward to his squad in the January transfer window following the explosive exit of Cristiano Ronaldo. PSV Eindhoven star Gakpo was reported to be among their options heading into the winter window - Ten Hag aiming to welcome his compatriot to Old Trafford.
However, they have been met with frustration after the Dutch club confirmed that they had agreed a deal to sell the forward to Premier League rivals Liverpool. An official statement read: "PSV and Liverpool FC have reached an agreement on the proposed transfer of Cody Gakpo.
"The 23-year-old attacker will leave for England imminently where he will be subjected to the necessary formalities ahead of the completion of the transfer."
While United were left slightly blindsided by Liverpool’s agreement to sign Gakpo, the Red Devils' own hesitation over a deal could have also potentially contributed to their transfer failure. According to reports, the club hierarchy was not overly keen on the terms being demanded by PSV - allowing the Reds to swoop in.
The Red Devils could face a similar problem as they attempt to sign Portuguese forward Joao Felix. Previous reports have suggested that Atletico Madrid are now willing to cash-in on the former Benfica starlet.
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United have been credited with an interest in the 23-year-old alongside Premier League rivals Chelsea but The Telegraph suggests that the terms of an initial loan switch could potentially put the Red Devils off. It remains to be seen whether common ground can be found throughout the January transfer window as Ten Hag aims to add a much-needed forward.
Whilst Felix remains on their shortlist of potential signings, United could also turn their attention to one of his international teammates as they try to recruit a forward. Current Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos has enjoyed a sensational season having netted 15 goals for the Portuguese giants this season so far.
He then took that form into the World Cup having launched his international career with a hat-trick on his full debut against Switzerland.
Ramos is not expected to be a cheap signing though with a €120m (£106m) release clause having been written into his contract at the Estadio da Luz - considerably more than the side earned from Darwin Nunez's sale to Liverpool in the summer.
The striker remains under contract with Benfica until the summer of 2026 so the Portuguese side are currently under no pressure to sell.
