This is NAILED ON. If there's any hesitation from Valencia, Louis van Gaal will push Manchester United to rumble their plans to turn the loan of Benfica sensation Andre Gomes into a permanent deal.

A revelation in his first months in Spain, the 21 year-old admits his move has been the making of him.

"Any foreigner who comes to Spain has to be, as a rule, better than the Spaniards," says Gomes. "If not, they demand more from you. Nothing is easy here.

"I want to show the fans that they can trust me and I deserve my place."

Thus far, Gomes has kept his part of the bargain and on the back of such form he has won his first caps with Portugal.

His progress hasn't gone unnoticed in England, where Valencia insiders have confirmed ticket requests from United and Chelsea for their representatives have topped those from foreign clubs over the past six weeks.

United's pursuit is no surprise to Los Che officials, as tribalfootball.com can reveal the Premier League giants tabled a failed bid for Gomes earlier this year.

United attempted to buy Gomes at the end of last season, just months after the midfielder's transfer rights had been sold by Benfica to investment firm Meriton Capital. The Lisbon giants agreed a €10.5 million fee for 70 per cent of Gomes, rating the midfielder at a total price of €15 million.

For their part, United offered Meriton and Benfica an instant profit - tabling an €18 million offer. But it was turned down, with Peter Lim, who holds a stake in Meriton, intending to take Gomes to Los Che for the new season.

United were not alone, with City matching their offer - but receiving the same response from Meriton and Benfica.

However, while City's interest has waned, particularly after the addition of Fernando, United, along with Premier League leaders Chelsea remain keen.

Valencia and Lim have an agreement to sign Gomes outright at the end of the season for €15 million. But the spending power of United and Chelsea does have club officials nervous.

A meeting was recently held with Portuguese super agent Jorge Mendes, who takes care of Gomes, and it's understood he assured Valencia directors that the player's priority was to stay.

Indeed, Gomes is not slow in praising the Los Che environment, which has helped him to settle so quickly.

"Valencia is a club with great players and ideal for a young player to grow," he enthused.

"The Spanish Liga is the world's best. Every player wants to play here. I am very happy to be here, and above all with a great club like Valencia."

Standing at 6ft 2in and boasting a great engine, Gomes has all the tools to thrive in the hurly-burly of the Premier League. With Van Gaal still seeking a physical presence for his midfield and Blues boss Jose Mourinho worried about cover for Nemanja Matic, the interest in Gomes, particularly on present form, is no surprise.

But while money talks, it may take Gomes some persuading to ditch Valencia after just 12 months.

He earned his first caps in September as a Valencia player and after some frustration as a junior in his homeland, the opportunities provided by his new club and Spanish football are appreciated.

"In Portugal, a foreigner at the same age almost always has more favorable treatment. And that's bad. This was a good time to invest in young Portuguese, results in youth teams have been good," Gomes said upon arriving at the Mestalla.

"There are things happening that people must realise are hurting our football. Let's hope something changes."

The midfielder has also a great rapport with the Los Che support.

"The people of Valencia have helped me a lot. Without my teammates, I would have nothing and it would be a difficult thing for me, I hope to continue like this," he said.

"I am 21 years old and I think I have a lot to offer.

"I'm at a very important point (in my career), but I want to do more and do it better, learn every day playing for Valencia, a great club."

But as close the relationship is between club and player, nothing is binding.

While Gomes remains contracted elsewhere, free-spending giants United and Chelsea will feel encouraged to test the commitment of all parties in the coming months.