Newcastle make Angel Gomes 'top target' - but face huge competition

Newcastle are reportedly plotting a January swoop for England star Angel Gomes, with the Lille midfielder becoming their top target.

Gomes has turned heads across the Premier League after shining on his debut with England - having been called up by interim boss Lee Carsley during the international break - featuring against Republic of Ireland before starting in the 2-0 win over Finland and looking mature in midfield.

The former Manchester United star - who left Old Trafford in 2020 - will become a free agent next summer, allowing clubs to begin pre-contract negotiations with the 24-year-old as early as January.

And according to the Sun, Newcastle are among the teams interested in Gomes, saying they are huge admirers of the player who looked comfortable in midfield alongside Declan Rice at Wembley on Tuesday night.

However, Newcastle will have to do battle with rival suitors if they are serious about bringing in Gomes, the report adds, with boss Eddie Howe facing competition from a number of clubs.

It says Liverpool, Tottenham and Borussia Dortmund are all interested in making a move for Gomes in the New Year, knowing Lille will be forced to let him leave for a cut-price fee or risk losing him for nothing at the end of the season.

The report goes on to say that a "string of clubs" sent scouts to watch the player in action for England against Finland as he played the full 90 minutes.

Gomes it not currently planning to agree new terms with Lille, it says, having become a huge success in Ligue 1 after switching into a central midfield role under boss Paulo Fonseca.

When asked about Gomes' performance against Finland and progress as a player, Carsley said he deserved all the plaudits as he praised him for taking time to understand the game tactically.

"'He fully deserves it," Carsley said. "He loves football, he watches football, he's interested in tactics," he said. "He knows all the players in any league. If you ask him for any feedback, you need to be prepared that he's going to give you some feedback on the session, or how we're going to build up, or the positions.

"He'll often say about some build-ups he's done with other clubs, or what he's played against, because he's obviously playing in France, so he sees different things."