Newcastle United are reportedly ready to offer Benfica £25million for the services of young forward Goncalo Ramos, though Paris Saint-Germain are lurking.
Ramos has been on Newcastle’s radar for some time. Initial reports of the Magpies’ interest in the 21-year-old stemmed a couple of months back.
Their desire to improve their squad further has been no secret during this window. They have signed Sven Botman, Nick Pope and Matt Targett on permanent deals.
The Magpies have also been keen on the signing of a striker: Hugo Ekitike was on their radar for a good while.
However, they were beaten to the punch by French giants Paris Saint-Germain. Newcastle are still in the market for a new striker signing, and it seems Ramos is their preference.
Portuguese journalist Pedro Sepulveda reports that Newcastle are ready to launch a £25million bid for the youngster ‘in the coming days’.
However, the looming figure of PSG could make the signing more of a challenge.
While the Magpies are reportedly prepared to make an offer, the French side have been in contact with Benfica regarding Ramos.
The sides should be fairly well matched when it comes to finances. Newcastle’s takeover last year means that they now have vast riches, as PSG have for years.
However, a battle for the signing would be an unwanted headache. Eddie Howe’s side will want to do their all to secure the signing of Ramos, and not let PSG get one over on them again, as they did with Ekitike.
Goncalo Ramos a promising addition
While he is just 21 years of age, Ramos appears a very promising talent. In 61 senior appearances, he has scored 17 goals and provided six assists.
He was Benfica’s third top-scorer in all competitions last season. This term, he has gotten off to a good start, notching a hat-trick in a Champions League qualifier, as well as providing two assists in Benfica’s 4-0 Liga Portugal opener.
His eye for goal and setting up teammates should stand him in good stead should he move to the Premier League.
What’s more, it could help Newcastle to climb the table; their top scorer last season was Callum Wilson, who scored eight goals.
