Portugal and Valencia midfielder Andre Gomes. (Photo : Getty Images)
La Liga powerhouse Real Madrid's intention to sign Euro 2016 champion Andre Gomes this summer was recently given a big boost when fellow Spanish club Valencia turned down a massive £40 million bid from English Premier League side Chelsea for the Portuguese midfielder.
Caught Offside noted that the recent impressive statistics of Gomes for both club and country had "seemingly impressed Real Madrid" and that the Bernabéu giants are "very close" to pulling off a deal with Los Che for the 22-year-old Portugal international.
The report mentioned that Los Blancos "see Gomes in their squad next season", but will try to negotiate with Valencia for a lower price than the player's £54.19 million release clause.
Gomes, who is widely considered as one of the most versatile young midfielders in the sport today, was instrumental in helping Cristiano Ronaldo and A Seleção bring home the Euro trophy this year.
In only five appearances for his home country during the recently concluded 2016 Euros, the 6-foot-2 Grijó, Portugal native was able to create eight chances. Meanwhile, in the domestic league, Gomes scored three goals and handed out a remarkable 27 assists in 30 games in the Spanish top flight for Valencia last term.
Those numbers said to have caught the attention of Los Vikingos and so they are now after the young Portuguese to bring him to the Bernabéu next season.
Chelsea's new manager Antonio Conte is rumored to be also interested in bringing Gomes to the Stamford Bridge this summer as the former Italy national team coach is a fan of the player's "physical strength, stamina, dribbling skills and impressive passing range", which he would like to add to his midfield next term.
The Daily Mirror reported that Valencia rejected a £40 million offer from the Blues, though, which said to have boosted Real's chances of acquiring Gomes even higher.
The report also said that Gomes is contemplating of an exit from the Mestalla Stadium this summer because the club failed to qualify to any of the European club tournaments in the coming season, such as the Champions League and Europa League.
However, speculations abound that the number one contender to land Gomes is Juventus as the Italian champions are said to be waiting if Manchester United will pay £100 million for Paul Pogba, which a part of it will in turn be used to purchase the Portuguese.
