Man United looking to poach midfielder from former club legend

Manchester United’s history with Gary Neville has led to somewhat predictable links with the former right-backs best talent at Valencia.

The rookie manager, who took over at the Mestalla midway through the current campaign, will be waking up to reports that his former club want to land his central-midfield prospect Andre Gomes this summer.

According to the Daily Mirror, United representatives are positioning themselves for a bid during the off season, with the 22-year-old’s agent aware of the interest and open to negotiations.

However, the Red Devils aren’t the only suitors for the Portuguese’s signature, with Italian giants Juventus also keen to do a deal.

No doubt Neville will be reticent to lose the player, who has made 32 appearances for Valencia in all competitions this season, but the option may be taken out of his hands should a release clause be met.

The Mirror suggests a bid of £19.5m would be enough to trigger Gomes’ release and judging by the sums United have spent on players in the past few seasons, that price cannot be seen as a deterrent.

Gomes joined Valencia permanently this summer, having been on loan at the club from Benfica the campaign prior.

A versatile midfielder that predominantly plays in the middle, but can fill in on the left, as an anchor or in the number 10 position, Gomes has scored seven times in 69 games for the Spanish club, laying on another seven assists for teammates in that time.

Manchester United stand at the brink of another squad overhaul should they fail to land Champions League football this term. Manager Louis van Gaal is also the subject of relentless speculation about his future at the club, with Jose Mourinho many fans’ pick to replace the Dutchman.

United face bitter rivals Manchester City on Sunday rated 7/2 to win.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.