Real Madrid could spend £55million on Andre Gomes after being priced out of any move for Manchester United target Paul Pogba
Bernabeu giants set to turn to Portugal's Euro 2016 midfielder after conceding defeat in pursuit of Juventus' French star
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Real Madrid are ready to spend £55million on Andre Gomes after conceding defeat in their pursuit of Paul Pogba, according to reports in Spain.
Los Blancos were thought to be going head-to-head with Manchester United in the pursuit of Frenchman, Pogba.
However, at £100m, the Spanish giants appear to have been priced out of a move and will turn their attentions elsewhere.
report that Gomes is the new name in the hat for Real Madrid.
Valencia’s Portugal international has been a target for Chelsea, Barcelona, Juventus and United but it’s the European champions who have put themselves in the driving seat.
United have pulled back from trying to put together a deal after learning of how much he is likely to cost.
The 22-year-old has £102m buy-out clause, but the Mestalla club are likely to accept around half of that.
Gomes — who is busy preparing for Portugal's Euro 2016 semi-final against Wales — is seen as one of the most promising central midfielders in the game, and Luis Enrique had made him a prime summer objective at the Nou Camp.
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Juventus have signalled the biggest interest in the Valencia man, but would be blown out of the water if they try to compete financially with the European heavyweights — unless they recoup a significant fee with the sale of Pogba.
Real Madrid have been following Gomes since an impressive 2014-15 campaign at the Mestalla.
Zinedine Zidane has already admitted that central midfield is the only area Real Madrid can seriously improve on this summer.
He believes Gomes’ vision and the balance he brings, along with his excellent shot with both feet are excellent qualities which would see him compete with 30-year-old Luka Modric for a place in the starting line-up.
While Leicester’s N’Golo Kante remains a target for Zidane.
Pogba was Real Madrid's original midfield target, and they even held talks with the player's agent, Mino Raiola.
However, their pursuit of the Frenchman appears dead in the water as they refuse to pay the huge asking price.