Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer supposedly wants to sign James Maddison in January.
It’s easy to see why. The Leicester star possesses creative juices that nobody at Old Trafford does. The 23-year-old is an upgrade on both Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata, already a proven asset in the Premier League.
But Manchester United know signing him will not be easy. Leicester were stubborn negotiators when it came to Harry Maguire and more of the same can be expected in 12 months time.
Fortunately for Solskjaer, he has the ideal alternative in the form of Angel Gomes.
Fans were hoping to see the United star feature against Leicester on Saturday having been named on the bench for the Old Trafford showdown.
Solskjaer, though, chose to bring on Fred, Tahith Chong and Axel Tuanzebe instead.
It is over two years since Gomes was given his United debut by Jose Mourinho, who ruled the Old Trafford roost at the time.
And for all of Solskjaer’s insistence that the 19-year-old is key, he’s yet to give the youngster a chance to prove himself.
Gomes is valued at United and seen as their great hope for the future.
The teenager starred for United during the 2016/2017 campaign, picking up the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award that season.
And he’s already showed signs of his talent for the first team.
Gomes was red hot in pre-season, proving himself to be an adequate No 10 capable of creating chances for his team-mates.
He also found the net against Tottenham in a 2-1 pre-season friendly victory in Shanghai.
And while Solskjaer wants Maddison he can’t afford to wait on the Leicester star.
Creativity is an issue for his team with United’s current options simply not up to scratch.
Lingard has struggled for the Red Devils over the last 12 months and is losing the support of the club’s fans.
Mata, meanwhile, is past his best.
Solskjaer has called on the Spain international in recent times but the veteran looks too slow to flourish in the Norweigan’s system.
Which is why United need Gomes.
Maddison may be the dream but the Red Devils star is available now.
And Solskjaer should place his faith in the England international and hopefully save himself millions in the transfer market as a result.