European champions Real Madrid are the latest club to have joined the race to sign sought-after Valencia midfielder Andre Gomes, reports Marca.
The 22-year-old, who is currently representing Portugal at Euro 2016, has been a reported target of several Premier League clubs including Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool, while La Liga giants Barcelona and Juventus have had shown an interest as well.
Juventus, who failed with a €40m offer for Gomes earlier this summer, have moved on from Gomes and have signed Miralem Pjanic from Roma instead. Chelsea have had a bid rejected last month but there are high chances the Blues might return with an improved offer.
Barcelona see Gomes as a player for the future. Gomes is a technically gifted midfielder and he is seen as a long-term replacement of club legend Andres Iniesta.
However, the only problem remains with his €65m price tag slapped by Valencia. Barcelona have financial problems and unless they sell one or two first team players, the club is unlikely to fund a move for the Portugal midfielder.
Real Madrid have jumped into the opportunity and see Gomes as the ideal understudy and possible long-term replacement for Luka Modric. Los Blancos are unlikely to pursue a deal for Leicester’s N’Golo Kante or Paul Pogba, should they sign Gomes this summer.
Midfield is one area where Madrid are likely to invest heavily this summer. Toni Kroos has been linked with a move away from Bernabeu, and Madrid may be forced to accept a deal, should they receive a good offer from the two Manchester clubs.
Gomes would be a fantastic addition to Real Madrid although he may not represent a typical galatico-glamour that Pogba can bring with him at the Bernabeu. He is under contract until 2020 with a €120m buyout clause but Valencia would be ready to sell him for half of the Price.