Newcastle United’s Premier League rivals hold talks over signing £25m Magpies transfer target

Southampton have stepped up their interest in Goncalo Ramos after holding talks over the Benfica forward.

Newcastle United remain in the race to sign the Portugal under-21s international having made their interest known a few weeks back.

Eddie Howe watched Ramos during his side’s 3-2 Eusebio Cup defeat to The Eagles in pre-season, a game in which the 21-year-old opened the scoring.

His good form has carried into the competitive season with Ramos netting five times in as many appearances - including a Champions League hat-trick against FC Midtjylland.

It was in Midtjylland where Southampton, according to The Athletic, held talks over Ramos. Saints co-owner Rasmus Ankersen used to be chairman at the Danish outfit.

There have been suggestions in Portugal this week that Benfica will at least hold on to Ramos until after their Champions League qualifier with Dynamo Kiev.

Benfica take a 2-0 lead into the second leg at the Estadio de Laz next Tuesday as they look to confirm a place in the group stages.

It’s claimed Southampton have held talks over a club record £25million move, while Wolverhampton Wanderers have also been linked.

Hearing of Wolves’ reported interest is no surprise given their close ties to agents, namely Jorges Mendes, across Portuguese football.

Asked about his future at the weekend, Ramos said: “I’m at Benfica, I’m fine, we’re playing well. What matters to me is the Benfica”.

Newcastle are anticipating a busy end to the summer transfer, which closes in exactly two weeks.

United are lining up a new and improved bid for Watford’s Joao Pedro, while enquiries have been lodged for Chelsea quartet Callum Hudson-Odoi, Christian Pulisic, Armando Broja and Conor Gallagher.