Southampton are exploring a move for £25million-rated Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos, according to talkSPORT.
Saints are ready to break their transfer record, which currently stands at £20million, to sign Ramos after sending scouts to Portugal.
However, it is understood that Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men will have competition from other Premier League clubs, with Newcastle and Wolves also linked with the player.
Ramos has been with Benfica since he was a child, but the start of this season has seen him play a bigger role up front, with Darwin Nunez leaving to join Liverpool earlier this summer.
The 21-year-old has made a strong start to the season, scoring five goals in five appearances in all competitions.
However, a deal may not be completed until the final week of the transfer window, with Benfica yet to play the second leg of their Champions League play-off against Dynamo Kyiv.
Speaking on White and Jordan, Crook said: “Gonzalo Ramos is a Portugal Under-21 international who plays for Benfica.
“Three clubs mentioned in the Portuguese media; Newcastle, although I’m not convinced they’ll see their interest, Wolverhampton Wanderers who I know are certainly following the player although I don’t think they’ve gone so far as to hold talks, and Southampton who is the name interesting in the frame.
“They’ve already spent some decent money this summer. £50m, largely on promising young players, but they want a striker by the end of the window and they’re trying, I understand, to get a deal done for Gonzalo Ramos.
“It’s tricky because Benfica are still very present in the Champions League, he scored for them last night against Dynamo Kyiv, so if he signs for them I expect him to be the one to go straight. over.
“It could even be as late as the night before, but it’s a sign that the owners are still supporting their manager.
“There was a story last week about possible trouble in the dressing room, but if they’re about to spend £25m on a striker, that suggests to me, as I’ve been told, that Ralph Hasenhuttl still has the support of the Southampton Owners.
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