Premier League side Newcastle United could be forced to wait to land Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos, according to reports.
The Magpies have signed Sven Botman, Nick Pope and Matt Targett so far this summer in a very measured transfer window for Eddie Howe’s outfit.
Newcastle had a brilliant end to last season which saw them finish 11th and 14 points away from the relegation zone, after being in trouble for much of the first half of the season.
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That, coupled with their solid start to this campaign, allows the Geordies to add to their squad in an orderly fashion, rather than panic buy or pay over the odds for players.
Howe has a striker at the top of his list of priorities with injury-prone Callum Wilson requiring some competition at the top of the pitch.
But O Jogo (via Sport Witness) insist that Newcastle could be forced to wait until the final week of the transfer window to get a deal for Benfica striker Ramos over the line because of the Portuguese club’s involvement in the Champions League play-offs.
Benfica face Dynamo Kyiv this week in their first leg before the return leg at the Estadio da Luz on August 23 and the Portuguese outfit are unwilling to consider Ramos’ departure until after that date.
Newcastle will have to pay at least €40m to land the Portugal under-21 international with Nottingham Forest recently having a €30m bid turned down for the 21-year-old.
And Magpies might not get another of their targets either with French publication Foot Mercato claiming that Marseille’s €15m asking price for striker Bamba Dieng is putting off Newcastle, Everton and Fulham, who have all ‘tested the waters’ for the Senegal international.
Speaking three days ago, Newcastle boss Howe delivered his latest update on transfers, he said: “I am really sorry to say no. I am sorry to keep giving you the same answers.
“I want to give you a different response but I can’t. We are no closer currently. Hopefully, the next week or so might be different.”
Jonjo Shelvey has been ruled out for around 12 weeks but Howe has dismissed suggestions that the club could sign a new player to cover his absence.
Howe added: “I feel we have enough to cover his absence currently. But you know football it can change very quickly. Losing Jonjo is a big blow. He has been a huge player for us over the last few season.
“Jonjo brings unique qualities to that role….
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