Man Utd ‘eye England star on free transfer’ as first Ruben Amorim target emerges

Manchester United want to re-sign Angel Gomes as they plan their first steps in recruitment under Ruben Amorim.

The club know there is a lack of money available so they will have to be smart in the market and the new manager is fully behind pursuing the Lille man. Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox believe Gomes, who has recently joined the England squad, can play a key role.

The 24-year-old midfielder left Manchester for Lille in 2020, signing a five-year contract, but the French club are content to see him leave this summer. Foreign clubs can start discussing a pre-contract agreement with Gomes from January.

It opens the door for the Red Devils to complete a deal that will see the midfielder return to Old Trafford on a free transfer once the summer arrives, according to The Sun.

Gomes was quizzed last month about the chances of a sensational return to Old Trafford and admitted the emotional involvement would make it difficult to say no. He said: “There will always be a sentimental soft spot, so of course it will be difficult to say no.”

He joined United at the age of six and made his breakthrough with the under-18 side when he was 14. Gomes became the club's youngest player since Duncan Edwards in 1953, making his top-flight debut at the age of 16 years and 263 days when he came into the game. during a win over Crystal Palace in May 2017.

The composition of United's midfield is likely to be crucial as Amorim implements a system that leaves just two players in the center of the park. They have just signed Manuel Ugarte, once of Sporting Lisbon, while Kobbie Mainoo has emerged as a mainstay in the past year.

Gomes' rise was underlined by the fact he was part of the squad picked by Lee Carsley while managing England. The man from Lille has somewhat disappeared from view after choosing to ply his trade in France, but Carsley was confident he would be a success on the international stage.

He said: “Angel is probably different to what we would have seen in the past (which would have been a central midfielder who is more robust). Angel is very technical, controls the game with his skill and technique. Very determined, excellent attitude Technically and tactically excellent, I think he's a player that people will really enjoy.”