The Athletic claim Southampton have held talks over a club-record £25million deal to sign Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos in the past week, as they look to edge the likes of Leeds and Newcastle aside for the Portuguese wonderkid.
Ramos, 21, has thrown his name onto the radar of numerous Premier League clubs this summer. It comes after a wonderful start to the 2022-23 season, in which he has produced eight goal involvements in his opening five games.
Scoring a hat-trick in Champions League qualifying against FC Midtjylland, he also scored last night. Benfica are within touching distance of the group stages, after a 2-0 win over Dynamo Kiev on Wednesday night. Ramos got the second.
Prior to the second leg against Midtjylland in the previous round, Southampton held talks over a £25million deal. He fits into Southampton’s transfer blueprint, given he is incredibly talented but still just 21 years of age.
However, Southampton are likely to face major competition in their move to sign the 18-time Portugal Under-21 international. Reports say Leeds and Newcastle are also admirers of the Benfica forward. The race is hotting up.
Southampton have held Ramos talks; Leeds and Newcastle keen
What is his best move? Southampton need more in the final third and Ramos certainly adds that. The Saints are renowned for being a club that buys young and cheap, and hope to sell on for a bigger transfer fee.
It makes Ramos somewhat a surprise, given their outlay is already very big. But the potential of Ramos could see his value continue to grow if he can score goals in the Premier League. He would certainly be first choice at Southampton.
But he might be more tempted by a move to a bigger club in Leeds, or Newcastle. Especially with the latter able to pay more in wages, and have a better chance of European qualification this season.
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