Morecambe activate contract extension for Sunderland and Rangers-linked forward Carlos Mendes Gomes

The in-demand 22-year-old winger scored 16 goals in League Two this season – including the winner in the play-off final against Newport County as Morecambe won promotion to League One.

Sunderland are one of several clubs to have been credited with a strong interest in Gomes, with Scottish giants Rangers also linked.

He has, though, played down talk of a move north of the border recently.

Morecambe have now confirmed they have activated a one-year extension.

A club statement read: "Morecambe Football Club has announced its retained list for the new season.

“One year contract extensions have been activated for Carlos Mendes Gomes, Aaron Wildig and Freddie Price.”

Shrimps’ boss Stephen Robinson said: “It's been a tough week having to make decisions on players very quickly, but we believe we have made the right decisions for the club going forward.

"We decided to speak to each player individually, it's only fair to the players to do it that way, to let them know where they're at and allow them to move on in their careers."

Speaking earlier this month, Gomes said: "The Rangers thing is a rumour. And at the moment, it is just that, a rumour.

"Morecambe have just given me the happiest day of my career. That day at Wembley will be something I will be able to tell my grandchildren.”

Sunderland are looking to revamp their squad as they bid to win promotion back to the Championship at the fourth attempt.

Seven players will leave when their contracts expire at the end of June including Grant Leadbitter, Josh Scowen and Max Power.

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Sunderland AFC coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor