Manchester United are among several European sides looking at a potential move for a £70 million FC Porto attacker.
Manchester United could be set for one of their busiest summer transfer windows in recent years, with Michael Carrick set to have a say in the transfers that take place.
United's former No.16 will likely be prioritising signing central midfielders this summer, having lost Casemiro at the end of the season due to his contract expiring. Manuel Ugarte could soon follow his former teammate after a difficult two years at Old Trafford.
This would leave United needing at least two central midfielders, although United may need to sign three players, rather than just two.
Mason Mount has been forced to deputise in the double pivot against Sunderland and Brighton, despite it not being his natural role. The England international impressed in a deeper position, but plays his best football in the final third as an attacking midfielder, rather than a deep-lying player.
With United returning to the Champions League, Carrick needs to ensure he has capable options across the midfield, or he could be forced to test several players' versatility in important matches.
United eye Porto's Gomes
As well as midfielders, United have been linked to left-backs and wingers for the summer transfer window. And the most recent forward to add to that list is FC Porto's William Gomes.
Gomes has been confirmed to have a £70 million release clause, which could see him leave Portugal this summer.
According to Eduardo Burgos, United are one of several European sides to have made trips to Portugal to enquire about William Gomes. Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, Newcastle United, and Roma are the other sides named to be interested.
The Brazilian wide player netted 13 goals and two assists last season, although, as per TransferMarkt, he played largely as a right-winger. Gomes played 36 games as a right-winger, three on the left, and a further seven without a certified position.
United already have Amad and Bryan Mbeumo on the right flank, with Shea Lacey coming through the academy on that side, too.
United should trust the academy
With United returning to the Champions League next season, it has been questioned as to whether the club should look to sign a new forward, as games will come thick and fast, and Michael Carrick has not always been blessed with backup options.
Rather than spending £70 million on Gomes, United should trust in Lacey to provide good competition on the right flank. The same could be said on the left side, with Matheus Cunha, Patrick Dorgu and Noah Ajayi, who has seriously impressed for the Under-18s this season. Even in midfield, Carrick has good options from the academy, whom he could trust to be fourth or fifth choice next season.
United could play over 60 games next season, despite playing just 40 matches in the last campaign, so the entire squad will be needed if Carrick is to have a good season at Old Trafford.
The midfield rebuild is likely to cost over £150 million, and that could be just for two signings, never mind all three. So, another £70 million on a third-choice attacker would be silly decision.
