Newcastle United preparing bid for Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos

Newcastle United are preparing a £25 million bid for Benfica hitman Goncalo Ramos, according to Sky Sports.

The Benfica academy graduate emerged as a hot prospect last season, where he started in 17 of his 29 appearances in the Portuguese League, scoring seven goals and providing one assist.

He has represented his country across all youth levels and has recorded a staggering 14 goals in 18 games for Portugal U21.

Ramos opened the scoring when Benfica beat Newcastle 3-2 in their pre-season friendly game, so the Magpies are familiar with the striking prowess of the Portugal U21 international.

He has got off to a good start this campaign with three goals and three assists this term. All three goals came against FC Midtjylland in the Champions League qualifying rounds. 

His superb early-season form has seen him pop up on Newcastle’s radar, and the Magpies are now preparing a bid to sign him.

Newcastle began their Premier League campaign with a 2-0 win over newly promoted side Nottingham Forest, with goals coming from Fabian Schar and Callum Wilson.

Eddie Howe wants a new striker to challenge Wilson’s position as the first choice, and January signing Chris Wood has so far failed to step up.

The Magpies have already missed out on Hugo Ekitike, who joined Paris Saint-Germain and were linked with a move for Benjamin Sesko but the Slovenian signed for RB Leipzig.

Benfica’s Ramos is the new top target for Newcastle, who are prepared to offer more than £25m to seal the deal.

The Portuguese hotshot has scored 17 goals and provided seven assists in 62 senior appearances for the Eagles since making his debut in 2020.

Benfica manager Roger Schmidt is understood to be willing to allow the 21-year-old to leave as he wants other striking targets, and Newcastle are looking to pounce.

However, they would once again battle PSG, who have also made contact with the Portuguese club for the striker.