Liverpool and Manchester United are now said to be going head-to-head to sign a midfielder after surprise developments at Old Trafford. Michael Carrick thought he had boxed off one of his midfield signings after reaching an early agreement with Atalanta to sign Brazil star Ederson, but that deal is no more.
United requested further medical checks on the midfielder following his World Cup participation, and it is now being reported that they have communicated to Atalanta that they will not progress with the deal. Atalanta say Ederson is fully fit, but the Red Devils have made their decision, and they will search elsewhere, likely to want two or three midfield signings this summer.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are also searching high and low for a new midfield, keen to add competition to the middle of the park this summer.
Liverpool and Man Utd tussle for Joao Gomes
Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Gomes applauding the supporters
According to Portuguese website Globo, both Liverpool and Man Utd have enquired about the possibility of signing Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes. Oddly Gomes is said to have had a deal fully agreed with Atletico Madrid this summer, but it's claimed the Spanish club blocked the deal because agent Jorge Mendes, who also represents Bernardo Silva, agreed to send the former Manchester City star to Atletico, only to agree a last-minute deal with Real Madrid.
Atletico reacted by punishing Mendes by canceling the deal involving his other client, Gomes. That means the 25-year-old midfielder is still on the table, and Liverpool and Man Utd are both said to have 'contacted' Wolves to explore a possible deal. Atletico agreed to pay Wolves £38.3million (45million euros), so it's likely the Midlands club will demand the same total as they prepare for a Championship campaign.
Gomes is 'going to the top'
Joao Gomes
Gomes won Wolves' Player of the Season award last season, and while the Midlands club endured a dire season, the Portuguese midfielder clearly stood out.
In fact, he came in for special praise from former Manchester City defender Micah Richards on the Rest is Football podcast last season. "We have to give a quick shout-out to Gomes of Wolves," said Richards. "Oh my word, what a player he is by the way. Gomes, he is a player by the way. Obviously, we don't get to see Wolves too much on TV. We see them on Match of the Day. Seeing him up close and personal, his touches, his anticipation when he's winning the ball back and his weight of ball forward. Sorry Wolves fans, he's going to the top that lad."
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick applauds the supporters Related
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