Chelsea Circling Man Utd Starlet Angel Gomes as Contract Standoff Intensifies

Chelsea are eyeing up a move for Manchester United's young starlet Angel Gomes when his contract expires at the end of the season.

The 19-year-old is yet to agree terms on a new deal, and Chelsea could snap him up on a free transfer in the summer.

Gomes is considered one of the brightest talents in British football, having captained the England Under-19 side to World Cup glory in 2018.

However, he has made just five appearances in all competitions this season, with fellow academy graduates Mason Greenwood and Brandon Williams both seeing considerably more first team football.

​The Metro report that United are desperate to hang onto the youngster, but his lack of opportunities in the first team and concerns over his pathway into the senior side are proving to be a sticking point.

​United have offered the midfielder a contract of around £25,000 in a bid to keep him at Old Trafford. 

The club see this as a generous offer, but Gomes' representatives are less impressed, and are showing few signs that their client will put pen to paper on the proposed deal.

United see the playmaker's diminutive build as the reason that he has seen limited action in the first team so far, comparing him to Jesse Lingard, who did not break into the senior side until 24.

With the proposed new deal stalling and Gomes' future in doubt, ​Chelsea are preparing to swoop in and take advantage of the situation.

The Blues are willing to match United's proposed deal, but will offer him an all-important shot at the first team.

Frank Lampard has famously put his faith in youth during his maiden season in the Stamford Bridge hot seat, and his willingness in particular to throw 5'5 Billy Gilmour into the blood and thunder of Premier League action has not gone unnoticed by the Gomes camp.

Although it would be a free transfer, Chelsea would still have to pay United a compensation fee, as Gomes is under 24.

Fellow United youngster Tahith Chong, who was also rumoured to be on the move at the end of the season, ​signed a new deal on Monday, and United are still hopeful that Gomes will follow suit.

Speaking about Gomes on Wednesday, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said: "We hope we can convince him in the near future and long-term future that he’s a Manchester United player."