Manchester United could be about to lose one of their brightest academy talents to their direct rivals.
As reported by the Daily Mirror, Chelsea believe they are closing in on the signing if attacking midfielder Angel Gomes.
Gomes is out-of-contract at United at the end of this month and there has been no indication that he is going to commit his long-term future at Old Trafford.
In fact, the 19-year-old has rejected the club’s latest contract offer of around £30,000 per-week.
The Mirror’s report claims Gomes has recently hired renowned agent Pini Zahavi who has held talks with Blues transfer negotiator Marina Granovskaia.
Frank Lampard has proven his intent to blood young players at Stamford Bridge with his core of Mason Mount, Fikayo Tomori, Reece James and Tammy Abraham all regular fixtures in his Blues side.
And Gomes, who is regarded as one of the most talented players to come out of United’s academy in the last decade, could link up with the other English youngsters.
United still harbour hope of the England U20 international signing a new contract and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sees him as part of his longer-term plans.
But Gomes has been starved of first-team opportunities this season while watching fellow academy graduates Mason Greenwood and Brandon Williams establish themselves as permanent fixtures in Solskjaer’s squad.
Gomes has made six appearances in all appearances this season and perhaps would have benefitted from a loan move elsewhere rather than being stuck playing age group football for Neil Wood’s U23’s.
We hope United can convince Gomes to remain at Old Trafford, but the teenager’s frustrations at a lack of game time are understandable and we are unsure whether the club can guarantee him the first-team football he desires.
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