Angel Gomes to get ‘big move’ amid Newcastle deal update – Transfer expert
Newcastle United are unlikely to sign Lille and England star Angel Gomes next summer due to concerns about his physicality.
This is according to recruitment expert and former Man United chief scout Mick Brown, who exclusively told Football Insider that, despite his eye-catching displays for both Lille and England, there are still reservations about his size and slight frame.
This comes after Football Insider revealed that the 24-year-old is keen on a return to the Premier League, with the Magpies keen on a potential swoop.
Gomes was left on the bench as Lee Carsley’s England side fell to a shock 2-1 defeat to Greece, but his involvement in the squad is a testament to his Lille performances.
During the September international break, the midfielder stood out as one of the top performers on his full debut as England beat Finland at Wembley.
That display attracted interest from some of the top clubs in the Premier League, and his contract situation is expected to play a big role.
Gomes is out of contract with Lille at the end of the season and will be allowed to discuss a free transfer, and has attracted plenty of interest from England as a result.
However, clubs remain cautious due to his size, and question marks have been raised about where he would fit into the team at St James’ Park.
Newcastle United make Angel Gomes transfer decision
As well as Newcastle, both Tottenham and Man United – teams for whom Brown used to work – have also been heavily linked with a move to sign Gomes.
Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game after working for numerous top clubs across England, insisted that Gomes is more likely to settle in France or Spain where the style of play is better suited to his qualities.
“When somebody’s got the talent that he’s got, there’s always interest,” he told Football Insider.
“I think French or Spanish football suits Angel more than the Premier League.
“He’s always been a talent, when he was at United as a kid he was impressive at every level, but there were always question marks about his physicality.
“That’s why United let him go, but he’s gone abroad and been really impressive.
“When he came in and played for England, he justified his selection and was instrumental in their passing game in possession.
“But if the game is against them, I’m not so sure he’s who you’d want in midfield.
“That’s no disrespect to the lad because I know through my connections at United what a lovely lad he is, and he’s the type of person who you want to be successful.
“And he can play, there’s no doubt about that, but I’m not sure he fits in at Newcastle.
“Their game is very much built on physicality. Look at Joelinton for example in their midfield, he goes box to box and he’s dominant physically.
“I’d expect Angel to get a big move, and he deserves it, but I wouldn’t expect that to be at Newcastle.”
In other news, Newcastle could cash in on Harvey Barnes in a shock move.
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