Andre Gomes to Manchester United: Valencia ace linked with Old Trafford, but will Gary Neville stand in his way?

Gary Neville, the former United captain at Old Trafford, is the manager at La Liga side Valencia

Manchester United target Andre Gomez (Getty)

Manchester United have reportedly turned their attention to Valencia play-maker Andre Gomes after becoming frustrated by their pursuit of Atletico Madrid’s Saul Niguez.

Louis van Gaal, the United manager, has been sanctioned to sign a flair player this month to sprinkle his misfiring squad with attacking talent.

According to DiMarzio, Atletico boss Diego Simeone has grown tired of losing key talent to the riches of the Premier League after losing Diego Costa, Luis Felipe and Toby Alderweireld in recent years.

His reluctance to sell has led United to look elsewhere and that search has seemingly thrown up Gomes, the 22-year-old Portugal international and former Benfica star.

The reports in Italy suggest the player’s agent is desperate get his client a lucrative move to England but it remains to be seen if boss Gary Neville, the former Old Trafford captain, will accommodate interest from his old employers.

Following the 3-3 draw with Newcastle United on Tuesday night, Van Gaal was typically coy about his transfer plans, but the Dutchman has admitted he would like to strengthen this month.

Van Gaal said: “We have scored three goals and have one point. I have said in all my press conferences that you have to score one more goal than your opponent, and we didn't do that.”