Manchester United have reportedly dropped their interest in signing former youth product and current Lille midfielder Angel Gomes on a free transfer this summer.
The England international never made the grade at Old Trafford during a 14-year stint from 2006 to 2020, only playing 10 times in all competitions before leaving for nothing in 2020.
Gomes has since made a career for himself in France, though, contributing 10 goals and 19 assists in 134 appearances for Lille, who currently sit fifth in the Ligue 1 standings.
The 24-year-old's form in the French top flight was impressive enough to catch the eye of former England interim boss Lee Carsley, who included him in each of his three Nations League squads last year after winning the Under-21 European Championship together.
However, Gomes is out of contract at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy at the end of the season, and the midfielder has admitted that he is not in the dark about the interest in his services this summer.
Man United 'have no interest' in Gomes deal
© Imago
A return to Old Trafford has unsurprisingly been mooted for Gomes, whose prospective signing on a free transfer would seemingly be ideal for the Red Devils amid their serious financial concerns.
Nevertheless, Football Insider claims that the 24-year-old is not expected to enjoy a Theatre of Dreams reunion this summer, as he is not on the radar of his former team despite his soon-to-be free agent status.
Man United's stance is seemingly good news for two of their Premier League rivals, as Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United are believed to be pursuing a deal to sign the 24-year-old ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
The Irons are thought to be at the head of the queue and have started talks to bring Gomes back to England, where he played five times in the Premier League for Man United.
However, injuries have restricted Gomes to just 20 appearances in all competitions this season, from which he has recorded two goals and an assist, and he was not selected for Thomas Tuchel's first England squad for March's World Cup 2026 qualifiers with Albania and Latvia.
What about Jonathan David?
© Imago
Ex Man-United protege Gomes is likely to be one of two Lille players departing for nothing in a few months' time, as in-demand striker Jonathan David has confirmed that he is ready for a new adventure.
The Canada international has been linked with a Premier League move for a number of years now and continues to go from strength to strength in Lille colours, registering 23 goals and 10 assists from 41 outings this season.
David is understood to favour a move to England's top flight over Barcelona, although Spurs, Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle United are also keeping a close eye on the Canadian's situation.
Furthermore, David is not thought to be at the top of Ruben Amorim's striker wishlist, as the Portuguese is instead hoping to reunite with a marksman he previously worked with before making the move to Old Trafford.
Ben Knapton
