Aston Villa join Man United in pursuit of one of England's hottest talents

Aston Villa have entered the race to sign Lille's standout midfielder Angel Gomes, adding fuel to an already heated competition for the English talent.

The 24-year-old has captured the attention of several Premier League clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, and Newcastle United, thanks to his impressive performances in Ligue 1 and on the international stage.

Aston Villa's ambitious plans

Following a successful summer transfer window in which they secured Amadou Onana from Arsenal's grasp, Aston Villa are now looking to further enhance their midfield according to GiveMeSport. With lofty ambitions driving their strategy, Gomes has emerged as a prime target for the January transfer window. His potential free transfer next summer makes him an attractive option for clubs eager to strengthen without overspending.

Angel Gomes has been turning heads with his playmaking prowess for both Lille and England. Ranking among the top five per cent in Europe for assists per 90 minutes, he draws comparisons to Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan.

Recently, he showcased his skills alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham for England, delivering a deft assist and controlling the midfield in their latest match.

Intense competition for Gomes' signature

The race to secure Gomes is intensifying, with Manchester United contemplating bringing their former academy product back to Old Trafford. Gomes made history there as the youngest player since Duncan Edwards to debut for the club but left in 2020 due to limited opportunities.

Since then, he has flourished at Lille over the past three years. Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are also keen on acquiring his services, while clubs from Bundesliga and Serie A are keeping a close eye on his situation.

As Aston Villa and other clubs vie for Gomes' signature, no clear frontrunner has emerged yet and landing Gomes could significantly boost any clubs' midfield creativity and strength.