SAINTS have reportedly held talks with Portuguese outfit Benfica over a £25million deal for striker Goncalo Ramos.

The 21-year-old forward has scored 14 goals in 18 matches for his country’s under-21 team, following a breakout season in Portugal’s top-flight last campaign.

Ramos has netted 12 goals in 36 Liga Portugal appearances and added his first at European level at Anfield, during their eventual Champions League quarter-final defeat to Liverpool.

The promising goalscorer has started this season off strong, with a hat-trick vs Rasmus Ankersen’s former club – FC Midtjylland – in Champions League qualifying.

Daily Echo:

Ramos, who sources have told the Daily Echo is of interest to Saints along with two other clubs, has opened his league account for 2022-23 and scored again last night in Champions League qualifying.

The Athletic report that Saints held talks with Benfica over a £25million deal for Ramos, who our sources suggest could be convinced of the St Mary’s project, in Denmark last week.

Should Saints complete a deal for the Portuguese, it would be a club-record move – surpassing the £20million paid to Liverpool for Danny Ings in 2019.

Daily Echo:

Ramos would continue Sport Republic’s youthful recruitment, with only Joe Aribo and back-up goalkeeper Mateusz Lis of their six summer signings above 20-years-old.

Romeo Lavia, 18 and Gavin Bazunu, 20, have started both of the opening Premier League matches, while Sekou Mara, 20, made an impact off the bench during Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Leeds United.

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