Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a move to re-sign former youth player Angel Gomes next summer.
Gomes, 24, came through the ranks at United to become their fourth-youngest player of all time when he made his debut at 16 years and 263 days in a Premier League match against Crystal Palace in May 2017.
However, Gomes, who joined United at the age of six, struggled to continue over the next three years. He made just ten appearances in all competitions before being released in the summer of 2020.
Gomes moved to Lille on a five-year deal and impressed as the midfielder broke into the England squad earlier this season.
The 24-year-old's contract with the French side expires at the end of the season and no progress has been made on a new deal.
And according to The Sun, United are planning a free transfer for Gomes, with the midfielder seen as one of their top targets for next summer.
The report claims a move for Gomes has the backing of new Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim – who has been an admirer for many years – while Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox also rate him highly and believe he can play a key role in the plans the Portuguese. the club.
Lille have accepted that Gomes is likely to be released and he could start talks with clubs and sign a pre-contract agreement in January.
It is also believed that United are confident that Gomes, who grew up in Salford, can be enticed to return to the club, with the 24-year-old seen as a long-term replacement for 32-year-old Casemiro.
Tottenham and Arsenal have also been touted with interest in Gomes, but last month he admitted United will always have a place in his heart.
“There will always be a sentimental weakness,” he said. “So of course it would be hard to say no.”
Meanwhile, Gomes made it clear in 2022 that he would be happy to return to Old Trafford if the situation arose.
'I imagine I'll ever come back? Obviously it's home,” Gomes told French outlet L'Equipe.
'I'd love to come back. But in football you never know. I just have to keep my feet on the ground and keep playing and make the best of it. I can't predict what will happen in the future.'
Gomes was also part of England Under-21 squad under Lee Carsley, which won the European Championship in 2023, with the midfielder making 18 appearances at that level.
After spending his first season at Lille on loan at Boavista in Portugal, Gomes made 129 appearances for the French club, scoring nine goals and providing 19 assists.
He made one appearance off the bench for the Three Lions during the recent international break, playing the final eleven minutes of their 5-0 thrashing of the Republic of Ireland.
The midfielder will be back in action on Sunday when Lille, fourth in Ligue 1, entertain Rennes.
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