Barcelona have reportedly knocked back a bid from Manchester United for midfielder Andre Gomes. The midfielder was the subject of a £31m bid but the Catalans are not ready to let him move after just one bad season.
Gomes was brought to the side as a potential replacement for Andres Iniesta who is at the twilight of his football career. Barcelona paid Valencia in excess of £29m but he has failed to justify his price tag so far in his maiden season.
Jose Mourinho, who is a fan of the player, wants to bring the player of his native country to Old Trafford. United are in the market for a number of midfielders and Gomes has caught Mourinho’s attraction.
Gomes made 30 appearances in the La Liga and has found the net only three times. Mourinho sent super agent Jorge Mendes to Barcelona to discuss a possible deal for the player. Mendes, the representative of the Portuguese gaffer tabled a formal offer but the Blaugrana are ready to give the player enough time to settle in the team.
Mendes was at the Camp Nou to have a chat with the Barcelona hierarchy over the future of the 23-year-old. But now it seems the Portuguese is quite happy with the way things have shaped and will stick at it at Barcelona.
Juventus are also in the line to grab the player from the Spanish giants. The Italian champions have been looking for a decent partner for Miralem Pjanic and Gomes could fit in the role.
Barcelona do have a number of midfielders with the likes of Ivan Rakitic and Sergi Roberto. But Roberto has been busy filling in the boots of Aleix Vidal in the right back position while Rakitic endured a very inconsistent season.
Iniesta is currently 33 and there are still a couple of seasons for the player to ply his trade at Camp Nou. But the Catalans will have to be prepared for life without him.
Barcelona want Gomes to take his place otherwise Lionel Messi who usually takes a more attacking role in the front three has to conquer a position deep in the midfield to give the problem a temporary solution.
Manchester United won’t be backing out from the pursuit of the midfielder as they do believe a good offer and the chance to play in the most exciting League in the world might prompt Gomes to change his decision.
