TBR Football understands that Goncalo Ramos is not overly keen on leaving Paris Saint-Germain this summer, despite intermediaries putting his name into Newcastle United.
Newcastle could need a new striker if Alexander Isak leaves in the final weeks of the transfer window. Manager Eddie Howe confirmed that Isak remains unavailable for selection but he left the door open for the forward to be reintegrated.
Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has been linked, while Newcastle have admired Ramos since his Benfica days.
Goncalo Ramos playing for PSG at the FIFA Club World Cup
Photo by Martín Fonseca/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
TBR Football understand that Newcastle asked the question to PSG about his possible availability earlier this summer – only to be told that he was not on the market.
Goncalo Ramos reluctant to leave PSG but Newcastle remain hopeful
Ramos’s name has been linked with the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Juventus this summer but he has never shown a desire to depart the European champions.
However, TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey understands that intermediaries – working hard on the transfer market with Newcastle – have informed the North East giants that they believe that Ramos could yet be available.
Bailey said: “Newcastle are in the market to find a replacement for Alexander Isak and have done work on the likes of Nicolas Jackson, Jorgen Strand Larsen and Samu Aghehowa.
Nicolas Jackson in action for Chelsea at the FIFA Club World Cup
Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
“Now Newcastle are again looking towards Ramos, but sources have told TBR Football that a deal for him would be highly unlikely due to a number of reasons.”
Goncalo Ramos would be Newcastle’s highest-paid player if he made transfer from Paris Saint-Germain
Even if Ramos was willing to move – he would need to become the club’s highest paid player of all time as he would seek a salary of around £200,000 – which would be doable for Newcastle.
But coupled with a fee in excess of €80million, it would make a deal hugely expensive, and sources also do not believe Ramos wants the move.
Bailey said: “Ramos is a player that Newcastle have liked for a long time, since before he joined PSG and they have kept track of him.
FBL-FRA-LIGUE1-PSG-TOULOUSE
Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images
“There is no doubt he would be a very good fit as a possible Isak replacement but speaking to well placed sources who have worked with the player – there is nothing to suggest he is ready to move at this point.
“He has turned down a host of clubs this summer, but intermediaries believe there is a chance – so we will see how it plays out. Newcastle are interested but he is not the only option, far from it.
“There remains a belief that Newcastle will get the striker in, that will free up Isak to seal his move to Liverpool.”