NEW England star Angel Gomes has become Newcastle’s top target.
But Toon chief Eddie Howe faces competition for the former Manchester United midfielder from Liverpool, Tottenham and Borussia Dortmund.
A string of clubs are understood to have watched the Lille star shine for the Three Lions’ in Tuesday’s 2-0 Nations League win over Finland.
Spurs were already keen on the 24-year-old, who is out of contract at his Ligue 1 team next summer.
Interim England chief Lee Carsley gave Gomes‘ his England debut as a late sub in Saturday’s 2-0 victory away to Ireland.
The ex-Old Trafford academy ace then played the whole of the Wembley clash against the Finns three nights later.
Reports last week suggested Gomes is not currently planning to renew his Lille deal at the end of the season.
He’s been a big hit in the French top flight after switching from a role just behind the attack to a more central position under Paulo Fonseca.
And it’s reckoned Newcastle could even ponder a January bid for Gomes.
That follows Carsley saying he “fully deserves” the plaudits for his breakthrough on the full international scene.
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The former Under-21 chief also highlighted the player’s incredible knowledge of the game.
Carsley said: “He loves football, he watches football, he’s interested in tactics.
“He knows all the players in any league.
“If you ask him for any feedback, you need to be prepared that he’s going to give you some feedback on the session, or how we’re going to build up, or the positions.
“He’ll often say about some build-ups he’s done with other clubs, or what he’s played against, because he’s obviously playing in France, so he sees different things.”
Gomes’ classy, controlled display against Finalnd also won praise from England legends.
Ex-Arsenal striker Ian Wright hailed the Londoner for being “constantly on the move” and also highlighted “his touch”.
TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD showed his brilliance as Harry Kane’s brace saw England beat Finland.
Interim boss Lee Carsley maintained his 100 per cent win record in charge of England.
SunSports Tom Barclay has given their ratings of the England players…
Jordan Pickford – 6
Had nothing to do.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – STAR MAN 9
England’s best player as he supplied some beautiful balls from deep that on another day would have led to a glut of assists.
He did get one in the end, although that was more thanks to Harry Kane’s lethal finishing.
Ezri Konsa – 6
Showed his ability on the ball with a super ball through for Bukayo Saka on the half hour.
Twisted his ankle early in the second half, surprisingly played on before being replaced on the hour.
John Stones – 6
Played at left-sided centre-back before shifting when Levi Colwill came on.
Solid though not much to deal with. Now 19 short of 100 caps.
Rico Lewis – 7
In the right place to snuff out early danger from ex-Norwich man Teemu Pukki.
Came close to a goal on his second England cap when prodding wide after the break.
Declan Rice – 5
Lost possession to give Finland their one and only big chance which Topi Kesinen should have squared to Pukki, but instead fired wildly over.
Angel Gomes – 7
Wanted the ball from the off, just like Lee Carsley thought he would. Deliciously drilled cross-field ball to Alexander-Arnold early doors showed his range.
Bukayo Saka – 7
Almost scored and almost assisted in a lively display.
Unlucky that Kane was millimetres offside after the centurion had headed home the Arsenal man’s wicked delivery.
Jack Grealish – 7
Enjoyed being in the heart of the action at No10 again, as he did on Saturday against the Republic of Ireland.
Carsley clearly likes him – it will be fascinating to see what happens when Mssrs Bellingham, Foden and Palmer all return.
Anthony Gordon – 7
Caused problems down the left with his rapid pace – how we needed some of that in the Euros.
But did not have on his shooting boots as he fluffed a decent chance early in the second half.
Harry Kane – 8
Two blistering finishes took the centurion to an astonishing 68 goals in 100 caps.
Was denied the chance of a hat-trick in front of his family when subbed off to a standing ovation for the final ten.
Kane said he fancies his chances of reaching a ton of international goals – and it does not seem fanciful.
SUBS
Levi Colwill (on for Konsa, 61) – 6
Next to no threat from Finland by the time he came on.
Eberechi Eze (on for Gordon, 66) – 6
Raced on to yet another special Trent pass but could not loop it over the keeper.
Noni Madueke (on for Saka, 66) – 7
Looked to make an impact every time he got the ball on debut. Excellent one-two with Trent saw the Chelsea man tee up Kane’s second.
Marc Guehi (on for Stones, 80) – 6
As with Colwill, little to do.
Jarrod Bowen (on for Kane, 81) – 6
Played up top after Kane went off for the final minutes, as he has done for West Ham.
