Manchester United's trials and tribulations continue and Ruben Amorim's rebuild has to take a back seat for the time being with business still to attend to on the pitch.
The Red Devils have weaknesses all over the pitch and gaps that will eventually be plugged by new signings.
According to reports, one area that Man United might be able to strengthen is the centre of midfield, where a former United youngster could be in line for a sensational return.
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Kobbie Mainoo's future is less certain than one would have expected, with his home-grown status making him a potentially lucrative sale in terms of allowable losses under the Premier League's PSR but any departure would leave Amorim with a problem in midfield.
But, the potential answer to this problem was once a home-grown United player too.
Diminutive deep-lying midfielder Angel Gomes was at United between 2006 and 2020, before leaving for Ligue 1 outfit Lille.
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Still only 24 years of age, Gomes has emerged as an exceptional talent in France and won his first England caps in 2024 after representing his country at every age-group level available to him in the previous decade.
Interim Three Lions manager Lee Carsley made a debut for Gomes one of his first orders of business and a more permanent return to England could be on the cards for the Londoner after he impressed in his appearances for the national team.
According to The Daily Briefing, Gomes is in line for a return to the Premier League having decided not to renew his contract with Lille. His deal will expire in the summer of 2025 and United are thought to be eager to take him back to Old Trafford as they try to put right a dismal campaign.
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Tottenham Hotspur are also reportedly interested in the midfielder, who was born deep in Spurs territory in the North London district of Edmonton. While it's believed Gomes is keen on heading back to England and the Premier League, there's no clear indication of his preference if that return does materialise in the summer.
Man United might be the obvious choice given the player's history but any decision about his immediate future will be heavily influenced by its perceived impact on his international prospects with a World Cup right around the corner.
Thomas Tuchel is set to name his first England squad with World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia at the end of the month. Gomes was named in Carsley's final England squad in November.
Topics: Kobbie Mainoo, Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Ruben Amorim, Transfer News, Transfers
Chris Nee