Man Utd could face second midfield blow after Kobbie Mainoo contract bombshell - The Mirror

Kobbie Mainoo's future at Manchester United is in doubt amid protracted negotiations over a new deal and the Red Devils have also been linked with a swoop for former star Angel Gomes

Manchester United could miss out on re-signing midfielder Angel Gomes, amid major uncertainty over the future of Kobbie Mainoo.

Gomes came through United's academy but left the club for Lille in 2020 in a bid for more game time and the 24-year-old has impressed during his time in Ligue 1. Gomes made his England debut last year under interim boss Lee Carsley and has been heavily linked with a return to the Premier League.

United are among the clubs who are said to be interested in his services, with Gomes available on a free transfer next summer when his contract with Lille expires. According to new reports from French outlets Foot Sur 7 and Pierrot Le Foot, as per Sport Witness, Lille's attempts to convince him to sign an extension have so far proved unsuccessful.

It is claimed that West Ham are leading the race to sign Gomes and Lille face 'a great difficulty' in persuading him to stay in France. United, Tottenham and Aston Villa are also said to be monitoring the situation.

The news comes after the Guardian reported that Mainoo is set to reject United's offer of a new contract and push for a move abroad. The Red Devils have been locked in talks with the midfielder over a new deal for some time and it is claimed an agreement has not been reached.

Mainoo has two years left on his current deal which is worth around £20,000-a-week and United may be forced to sell him next summer. Chelsea have been linked with Mainoo, but it is claimed the 19-year-old does not want to join another Premier League club and instead favours a move away from England.

United are open to cashing in on Mainoo to help their financial situation and value the midfielder at around £70million. When asked about Mainoo's future back in January, Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim challenged him to continue improving.

"I think Kobbie Mainoo is improving a lot during the last matches," Amorim told reporters. "But I think you guys feel like he is the finished product - and he is not. He has so much potential to grow up even more.

"He is really really good but he can be so much better. I think he is improving, all the players are improving, all the players are important for me, no matter whether they worked with me in the past."

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