Manchester United fans may have to prepare for the prospect of losing one of their favourite young talents to direct rivals Chelsea.
As reported by the Mirror, Frank Lampard believes the Blues are closing on a deal for attacking midfield starlet Angel Gomes.
Gomes’ current deal at Old Trafford runs out at the end of this month and the youngster has rejected the club’s latest offer of £30,000 per-week.
The 19-year-old has understandably become frustrated at a lack of game time under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer; he has made just six first-team appearances in all competitions this season.
Gomes made his first-team debut on the last day of the 2016/17 season, replacing Wayne Rooney in a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace. He is the youngest player to represent the Reds since Duncan Edwards in 1953.
But while Gomes has still been shining in the development sides, he has not managed to establish himself as a regular in the United squad since and has perhaps suffered from not going out on loan elsewhere.
The England U20 international has watched on as Brandon Williams and Mason Greenwood have become permanent fixtures in the first-team squad.
Chelsea could be an exciting destination for Gomes with manager Lampard building his squad around a core of young, British players.
Mason Mount, Fikayo Tomori, Reece James and Tammy Abraham all feature regularly at Stamford Bridge and could be joined by Gomes who is available to sign on a free transfer if United cannot agree a new deal.
News of Gomes’ possible exit has concerned plenty of United fans on social media who are worried about the special talent that they could be about to lose…
Losing Angel Gomes to Chelsea would be a complete disaster for #MUFC. He's one of the purest talents to pass through Carrington in two decades. The club should offer him a substantial deal and start playing him. It's as simple as that.
— Rob Blanchette (@_Rob_B) May 13, 2020
Angel Gomes has had less than 300 minutes of professional football this season and less than 500 since he made his debut in 2016. Infinitely more talented than Andreas & Lingard yet doesn’t get a chance. Massive mistake letting him go. pic.twitter.com/A2JE4IOmsd
— Swanny🔴🇾🇪 (@ftbIswanny) May 13, 2020
Angel Gomes is one player for the future. Manchester United cannot afford to lose him. pic.twitter.com/jqKLzFIQHe
— lovefootballng (@lovefootballng) May 13, 2020
Man United need to let go off some players like Pereira and Chong but not Angel Gomes please! Losing him to Chelsea would be ludicrous.
A loan spell in the Bundesliga would be the best option. He has so much potentials and needs playing time too. pic.twitter.com/whAOZcXuTR
— Zoba (@utdzoba) May 13, 2020
I'd prefer the #MUFC squad was refreshed in order to keep Angel Gomes. This summer will be time to move on Lingard & potentially Mata. Players who play similar roles. Id like to see Angel be Bruno's deputy. He can learn so much from him. In wages, we're talking small £ to retain.
— Rob Blanchette (@_Rob_B) May 13, 2020
Angel Gomes: "I don’t mind playing anywhere on the pitch as long as it’s for #mufc."
The club should aim to keep the best talent at the club but commitment works both ways. https://t.co/tJURjuByB1
— ً (@utdrobbo) May 12, 2020
There's no doubt Angel Gomes' size & lack of power counts against him in the Premier League. We still hold these stupid values in English football. He'd be starting in La Liga. Yes, he needs development. But #MUFC should fight tooth & nail to keep him. He's an immense talent.
— Rob Blanchette (@_Rob_B) May 13, 2020
Losing angel Gomes to Chelsea or some other club will a be disaster. Hopefully they reach an agreement to keep him pic.twitter.com/JCyUOpHBvI
— Michaelbrownn (@Eldemagnifico) May 13, 2020
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