Southampton 'should have confidence' about being able to sign Benfica forward Goncalo Ramos, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Southampton's Ramos interest

Back in August, talkSPORT reported that the Saints were exploring the possibility of bringing Ramos to the club in a deal worth £25m, after being impressed following a scouting mission in Portugal.

With the striker displaying his ability at the World Cup for national side Portugal, netting a hat-trick and an assist in a 6-1 victory against Switzerland, Fabrizio Romano detailed that Manchester United have now emerged as potential suitors, after watching him many times.

Given the 21-year-old's links to a club of this magnitude, Southampton fans may have feared they'd drop out of the running, but a recent update from Jones offers a more promising outlook...

The Latest: Jones offers hope

Asked about whether the Saints should still be optimistic about signing the Portugal international following their initial interest in the summer, Jones told GIVEMESPORT:

“Exactly. I think they should have confidence rather than concern.

“I think, in a way, a player should be flattered by the fact that this club liked him in the first place.”

The Verdict: Get it done?

As reported by 90min, Benfica president Rui Costa has recently claimed that no player will leave this summer unless their release clause is met, which stands at a whopping £103m for Ramos.

While this could just be a ploy to drive the starlet's price up, the Saints would unfortunately not be able to compete for a player in this price range, but if any opportunity is presented to sign him for a cheaper fee, it is one that should be taken by Nathan Jones.

BBC Sport writer Raj Chohan has hailed the youngster as being 'unreal', specifically for the way he stepped up to the plate in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo in Qatar, scoring three goals to send Portugal to the World Cup quarter-final.

The 6 foot 2 marksman has made remarkable strides this season, scoring nine goals in 11 league starts, already surpassing his total of seven in 29 last term, and he would be a massive boost in the Saints' bid to avoid relegation from the Premier League, but the deal still appears very unlikely, due to Benfica's current stance.