Who is Andre Gomes?
Unknown to most casual football fans just a few months ago, the name Andre Gomes is one that just keeps creeping up. With Manchester United known admirers of the 22-year-old's talents, and the news that Chelsea had a £32 million rejected for the 22-year-old this morning - football fans must be wondering who is Andre Gomes?
BREAKING: Sky sources: Valencia reject Chelsea bid of £32m for Portugal midfielder Andre Gomes. #SSNHQhttps://t.co/DElrhJ8BYP
— Sky Sports News HQ (@SkySportsNewsHQ) June 15, 2016
Here's all you need to know about a player that could be playing his trade at one of football's giants sooner that you might expect:
Andre Gomes - Position
Gomes is primarily a central-midfield player, who likes to drift forward. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches tall, the Portuguese international is strong in possession, and has a surprisingly intricate style for a big man.
With United and Chelsea potential destinations for Gomes - the former will want him to come in and rejuvenate an ageing midfield consisting of players like Michael Carrick and Bastian Schweinsteiger. With the future of Nemanja Matic uncertain, Chelsea would welcome any addition to midfield.
Andre Gomes - Career to date
Currently playing his trade at Valencia, the 22-year-old has played in his home country of Portugal for almost the entirety of his career.
He had youth spells with the likes of Porto, but eventually signed for Benfica in 2012. An impressive 8 goals in 17 appearances for Benfica B saw him promoted to the first team in 2014. He was part of the historic Benfica side who won a first ever domestic treble.
Gomes spend the 2014/2015 season on loan at Valencia, and signed for the Spanish club in June 2015 - keeping him at the Mastella until 2020.
Representing Portugal from U17 level right through to senior, the 22-year-old's inclusion in his side's Euro 2016 squad is so far the pinnacle of his international career. Gomes featured in the starting 11 during Portugal's opener against Iceland, and provided the assist for the opening goal.
Andre Gomes - Why is he so expensive?
Partly due to the huge inflation there is in today's transfer market, £30 million has become the new £20 million. Valenica are holding out for a fee closer to £42 million according to Sky Sports. A sell-on clause exits that entitles Benfica to a percentage of the fee, and as a result Valencia are demanding a higher fee.
