Newcastle United have been sent a new message on Goncalo Ramos after the 21-year-old put Benfica within touching distance of the Champions League group stages.
A 2-0 win over Dynamo Kiev in Poland, with the game being played on neutral territory due to the conflict in Ukraine means Benfica can secure their place in the lucrative group stage with a draw or a win next week. Ramos stated he was focused on playing for Benfica at the weekend.
But after grabbing his fifth of the season Benfica know that any bid north of £35million is likely to mean he will go. And Benfica manager Roger Schmidt is seemingly coming around to accepting the idea.
READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp namechecks Newcastle United as side that could break into top five
Schmidt said last night: "When you look at Gonçalo playing, you can see that he loves playing for Benfica. "It's football, it's a business, the market is open, we can't be sure of anything, we're just focused on the next game."
Former Bayer Leverkusen coach Schmidt also hinted that Ramos' situation regarding a transfer was potentially active when asked about another player, Ricardo Horta, and a possible exit but said: "I don't have space to talk about other market issues."
Ramos had previously said: "I'm at Benfica, I'm fine, we're playing well. What matters to me is the Benfica."
But the matter would be effectively taken out of his hands if Newcastle hit Benfica's tipping point. Wolverhampton Wanderers are also keen on the forward who scored against United in pre-season. And there was also a morning report that Southampton might steal in for the Benfica star before the window shuts.
READ NEXT
- Match verdict as Nick Pope justifies big Eddie Howe decision
- Pope shines and Joelinton strong: Newcastle player ratings
- Callum Wilson talks about life at Newcastle's under-construction training ground
- Brendan Rodgers drops fresh hint to Newcastle United on James Maddison
- Newcastle transfers state of play as Howe has already commented on Benfica star
