Manchester United have renewed contract talks with Angel Gomes in the last fortnight and have offered the midfielder an increased offer of £30,000-a-week to stay at Old Trafford, sources have told Metro.co.uk.
The 19-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and Academy chief Nicky Butt confirmed last month that the club were having a ‘dispute’ with Gomes over his future.
The playmaker has been at the club for over a decade but he’s been frustrated by a lack of first-team opportunities, making just six appearances in all competitions this season.
United believe Gomes is going to reach the very top but he doesn’t possess the same physical features as Mason Greenwood or Tahith Chong that would enable him to make the step-up at the age of 19.
Gomes’ situation has alerted Chelsea, with Metro.co.uk revealing earlier this month that the Blues had made clear to the midfielder’s representatives that they’re interested in his services.
Frank Lampard has blooded the likes of Mason Mount and Billy Gilmour into his side this season and Stamford Bridge is fast becoming an attractive destination for young players.
United have already offered Gomes a salary of around £25,000-a-week on a two-year deal but the midfielder wanted greater security.
Sources have told Metro.co.uk that United have offered the option of a third year on top of their existing offer with further installments that could take him to around £30,000-a-week.
United believe Gomes’ preference is to remain at the club and that his representatives are simply seeking a better deal for their client.
But United have had their fingers burnt in the past in adopting such a risky stance, most notably with Paul Pogba in 2012.
However, the club are hoping to Chong’s recent decision to extend his deal will convince Gomes to do the same.
‘With Tahith we’re very happy he sees his future here, we can see a very good player there and we’ll give him time to develop,’ Solskjaer said in February.
‘That is the same with Angel. We hope we can convince him in the near future and long term future that he’s a Manchester United player.’
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