Southampton target Goncalo Ramos will be ‘high on confidence’ following his impressive start to the season, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The 21-year-old was linked with a move away from Benfica throughout the summer but ended up staying put and has gone from strength to strength in the current campaign.

What is the latest news involving Southampton?

Back in August, The Telegraph revealed that Southampton had entered the race to sign Ramos alongside Premier League pair Wolverhampton Wanderers and Newcastle United.

And Portuguese outlet Record also stated that the clinical striker has a €40 million (£34m) valuation following a promising 2021/22 campaign for his boyhood club.

Ramos ended up staying put at Benfica in the previous transfer window, though Southampton may be tempted to revive their interest in him throughout January.

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The south coast club have replaced former manager Ralph Hasenhuttl with Nathan Jones already this season having scored just 13 goals in their 15 Premier League games.

Consequently, Southampton are sitting in 19th position in the top-flight having scored the fifth-fewest strikes.

What has Jones said about Ramos?

Jones disclosed that he ‘can see’ why both Southampton and Wolves ‘would both be looking’ at bringing Ramos in when the transfer window re-opens for business.

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

In an interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “Yeah, his scoring record has been pretty special this season. And he's gone to the World Cup too, so his profile is growing.

“I'm sure his confidence is too. They both need a player who's high on confidence, so I can see why they would both be looking at him.”

Would Ramos be a good signing?

Ramos registered 12 goal contributions in 46 appearances last season, largely playing second-fiddle to Darwin Nunez, who moved to Liverpool in the summer.

And the Portugal international has elevated his game to new heights this time around, notching 14 strikes in 21 outings across all competitions while laying on six assists for his teammates.

As per FBref, Ramos has also ranked in the 98th percentile for non-penalty expected goals, 91st for touches in the attacking penalty area, and 84th for total shots amongst his positional peers over the last year.

Che Adams is currently Southampton’s top scorer with four goals, and the addition of Ramos would provide a significantly greater threat in the final third of the pitch for Jones’ charges.