Barcelona 'turned down chance to sign Goncalo Ramos'

Barcelona reportedly passed up the opportunity to sign Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos during the summer transfer window.

Ramos has registered 14 goals and six assists in 21 appearances for Benfica this season, earning himself a place in Portugal's World Cup squad.

After being a substitute for all three group games, he was given his first start of the tournament in the last-16 meeting with Switzerland, replacing Cristiano Ronaldo in the side.

The forward made his mark on the game by scoring a hat-trick to help Portugal progress to the quarter-finals with a commanding 6-1 victory.

While Ramos's stock has risen since the last-16 encounter, the Daily Mail claims that Barcelona were presented with the chance to sign the Benfica man during the summer.

The report states that super-agent Jorge Mendes advised the Catalan giants to sign the forward as cover for Robert Lewandowski.

Memphis Depay was expected to leave the club, but no move materialised, which scuppered Barcelona's hopes of signing Ramos.

The 21-year-old is set to keep his place in the starting lineup for Portugal's quarter-final clash with Morocco.