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Published January 18, 2025 10:26am Updated January 18, 2025 10:26am
West Ham are ready to rival Manchester United for the signing of England star and former Red Devil Angel Gomes, according to reports.
Gomes came through the academy at Carrington and looked set for big things after making his debut for the first-team in 2017, aged just 16.
But the midfielder found opportunities limited under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and ended up joining Lille on a free transfer three years later.
He has since thrived at the French club, recording the joint-most assists in Ligue 1 last season, and won his first England caps under Lee Carsley at the start of this campaign.
The international recognition lead to rumours that Gomes could make a sensational return to the Premier League, with his Lille contract set to expire this summer.
In November, it was said that United were hoping to re-sign their academy graduate and that head coach Ruben Amorim had approved the plan.
But talkSPORT now report that West Ham have entered the race to sign the 24-year-old as they look to rebuild under new manager Graham Potter.
The Irons are also desperate to sign a striker and are eyeing up Gomes’ teammate Jonathan David whose contract also expires at the end of the season.
The Canadian, who has 17 goals and seven assists in just 30 games so far this season, has also attracted interest from the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham
As for Gomes, the midfielder admitted last year that he could never rule out a return to Old Trafford: ‘There’ll always be that sentimental soft spot, so of course it’d be difficult to say no.’
Red Devils legend Andy Cole is one of those that would certainly love to see the player return to his former club, recently saying: ‘If that move was to happen, I have no doubts that he’d make United a better team.’
‘Being very honest, I was disappointed to see Gomes leave in the first place. He’s a very talented young man and you’re always going to have that type of nonsense where people say that he was too small for the Premier League and all that.
‘But he’s moved to France, made a very good career for himself and represented England quite a few times, so fair play to him.’
For now, United will be looking to continue their positive start to 2025 when they host Brighton on Sunday, while West Ham take on London rivals Crystal Palace on Saturday.
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