Leeds United ones to watch in race to sign Benfica and Portugal star Goncalo Ramos
GiveMeSport report that Leeds United are worth watching in the transfer window over a possible move for Portugal breakthrough star Goncalo Ramos.
Ramos burst onto the scene this winter after replacing the dropped Cristiano Ronaldo in the Portugal team and scoring a hattrick in the nation’s round of 16 tie against Switzerland.
The 21-year-old striker could not replicate the feat as Portugal bowed out to Morocco in the quarter-finals. Still, the Benfica forward can at least look forward to a busy January with lots of offers flying in from around the globe.
As reported by GiveMeSport‘s Dean Jones, Leeds United could be one of a handful of Premier League clubs firing an offer to Portugal next month.
“Man-of-the-moment Goncalo Ramos looks a golden ticket that could move anywhere from Benfica – but he has a big release clause and holds more value than ever.
“Look out for interest from Leeds, Southampton and Wolves but also Newcastle, Arsenal and Man United.”
Too late
Ramos was a summer target for the Whites, with The Chronicle reporting back in August that Leeds were interested in signing the striker when his value sat at just £35million.
Leeds are still looking to bring in a striker over January and Ramos fits the bill, but his market value will have inflated far past Leeds’ budget.
That one World Cup hattrick will see his price double for January, and Leeds will get priced out of a move quickly by big-spending Euro giants.
With Jesse Marsch only boasting a limited budget for January, the American is better off looking elsewhere for a striker with a smaller reputation.
It’s a shame Leeds weren’t able to pull the trigger in the summer and complete the deal for Ramos, but as long as the Whites end January with a new first-team striker then all should be forgiven.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites face a Sonny Perkins injury scare in Spain after the youngster battled through the pain v Elche