West Ham are trying to sign the England midfielder Angel Gomes on a free transfer from Lille. Gomes, who was given his international debut by Lee Carsley last September, is out of contract at the end of the season and is looking for a new challenge.
Graham Potter quickly identified midfield as an area to improve after becoming West Ham’s head coach in January. He wants a No 6 who is capable of controlling possession and believes Gomes, who has four England caps, fits the bill.
Gomes, a key player for England Under-21s when they became European champions in 2023, joined Lille from Manchester United in 2019. The 24-year-old has not been a regular this season and was an unused substitute when they drew with Borussia Dortmund in the last 16 of the Champions League on Tuesday, but his availability is likely to catch the attention of several clubs.
Aston Villa, Tottenham and United have been credited with interest in Gomes, who has also been linked with a move to the Bundesliga. Gomes, who will hope to be named in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad next Friday, can also play as a No 8 or No 10.
Potter also wants a striker and is looking at one of Gomes’s teammates at Lille, Jonathan David. The Canada striker’s contract expires at the end of the season and he is set to leave on a free. West Ham signed Evan Ferguson on loan from Brighton in February but are not confident of agreeing a permanent deal for the Republic of Ireland striker.
