West Ham United ‘want ex-Manchester United star’ as Soler replacement identified
West Ham United want to sign ex-Manchester United ace Angel Gomes when his contract at Lille expires, according to Manchester Evening News.
The Manchester newspaper reported via its website (21 January) that the Hammers are considering offering the England international a contract at the end of the season when Carlos Soler is set to return to PSG.
Although the Ligue 1 giants are now seeking an agreement to sanction Soler’s permanent sale to the Irons [Daily Mail], it remains unclear whether Graham Potter plans to activate his £16.9million release clause.
Gomes is a long-standing transfer target at the London Stadium, and are prepared to wait until his contract expires in July before formalising their interest.
West Ham United want to sign Angel Gomes
Last year, the 24-year-old was reportedly one of the most sought-after prospects in Europe after his 12-goal contributions helped fire Lille into the Champions League.
He did go on to make his full England debut under interim boss Lee Carsley, but his development hit a brick wall in France this year.
Gomes has played only 22 minutes of Ligue 1 action since the start of November as Lille clearly aren’t prepared to offer a first team berth to a player who is winding down his deal.
However, his lack of game time has not dissuaded potential suitors, as West Ham must contend with Tottenham and his former employers, Manchester United, to secure his services in the summer.
Potter would undoubtedly be taking a massive gamble in pursuing the midfielder, particularly if the signing comes at the cost of Soler.
The 28-year-old has featured in all three matches under Potter and scored the opening goal in his first victory at the London Stadium in the 3-2 win against Fulham on 14 January.
Even under Julen Lopetegui, Soler showed his class while the side suffered throughout the underwhelming reign of the former boss.
After how poorly the majority of last summer’s recruits have performed this term, West Ham cannot afford to lose a guaranteed consistent performer to chase a player who initially departed Old Trafford after failing to make the mark.
In other West Ham news, the Irons want to complete a loan-to-buy deal after “major” Brighton talks.
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