Manchester United 'will continue their chase of Evanilson despite Porto rejecting initial £55m bid' for the Brazilian striker as Erik ten Hag seeks back-up to Cristiano Ronaldo up front
* A new centre forward is a priority for Erik ten Hag as he starts at Old Trafford
* United became reliant on Cristiano Ronaldo to supply their goals in 2021-22
* Reports in Portugal say United have already lodged a £55m bid for Evanilson
* Porto rebuffed the offer, holding out for more money, and United could return
Manchester United will reportedly continue their pursuit of striker Evanilson, despite Porto rejecting an initial offer of £55million.
The 22-year-old Brazilian, who scored 21 goals for the Portuguese champions last season, is apparently on Erik ten Hag's wishlist as he rebuilds the squad inherited at Old Trafford.
Portuguese newspaper O Jogo report that Porto have already rejected one bid but United intend to return with a fresh offer.
Manchester United reportedly had a £55m offer for Porto striker Evanilson rejected
They add that Porto value the player at closer to £70m, a price that apparently scared off fellow Premier League clubs Wolves and Brighton, who enquired after Evanilson.
Porto would like to keep hold of Evanilson, whose contract runs until 2025, but O Jogo believe an improved offer from United would test their resolve.
While Ten Hag's main objective this summer is to sign a central midfielder - with United in negotiations with Barcelona over Frenkie de Jong - a new centre forward would ease the pressure on 37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo.
Though Ronaldo scored 24 times in the first season of his second spell at Old Trafford, the departure of Edinson Cavani means there is little back-up for the Portuguese star.
Evanilson has scored 25 goals and supplied five assists in 70 outings for Porto following his transfer from Brazilian club Fluminense in September 2020.
The Fortaleza-born player emerged through the academy ranks at the Rio-based club and quickly attracted admirers in European football.
His goals helped Porto achieve a league and cup double in Portugal last season though they couldn't advance from their Champions League group and subsequently went out of the Europa League to Lyon in the last-16.
Portuguese newspaper O Jogo say United could be tempted to return for the Brazilian striker
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https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-10933953/Manchester-United-continue-chase-Evanilson-despite-Porto-rejecting-bid.html