Manchester United are now 'close' to an agreement to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Gomes ahead of the January transfer window, according to Brazilian outlet Trivela.
GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Ben Jacobs says that United are looking to bring in two new players to the middle of the park in 2026, with Gomes among a number of names linked in recent weeks.
Manchester United are also said to have shortlisted a number of other Premier League midfielders such as Elliot Anderson at Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton and Brighton and Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba, as well as Conor Gallagher and Angelo Stiller from La Liga and the Bundesliga respectively.
Man United 'Close' to Joao Gomes Deal
Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Gomes applauding the supporters
According to Trivela, Gomes is on the verge of changing clubs and leaving rock-bottom Wolves for Old Trafford.
United's interest in the 'next level' Gomes was first reported from Portugal earlier this week, with the latest story from Gomes' home nation now claiming an agreement is close for the 24-year-old to link up with Amorim.
Trivela adds that the Red Devils are looking to strengthen in midfield, with Gomes' Brazilian counterpart Casemiro expected to leave in the summer when his contract expires, while Kobbie Mainoo doesn't feature in Amorim's plans following a lack of first-team starts this term.
The Englishman is said to be seeking a loan move away from Old Trafford during the January transfer window as he tries to force his way back into Thomas Tuchel's plans ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America.
New Wolves manager Rob Edwards doesn't want to lose any of his best players in January as they look to avoid the drop and according to GIVEMESPORT's Midlands reporter Neil Moxley, the club have informed him that won't happen.
Relegation appears to be the most likely scenario right now after Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, which means they have taken just two points from their 12 Premier League matches this term.
Why Joao Gomes is Tailor-Made for Amorim
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim watching on from the touchline
It has become abundantly clear what type of midfielder Amorim needs in his 3-4-3 system, and Joao Gomes fits the bill.
While United have some players with ageing legs like Casemiro and captain Bruno Fernandes in that area, others who do have younger legs and more energy - like Mainoo - appear to be more out of favour.
Gomes has been described by Wolves' official website as 'balancing wholehearted tenacity and commitment off the ball with composure and quality in possession', while he has also been nicknamed 'pitbull' by the Midlands outfit.
That energy and tenacity is something vital for Amorim's system to persevere, while Gomes' quality on the ball is a big added bonus to get United forward up the pitch and to get the ball to the attackers quickly and efficiently.
After racking up over 100 appearances for Wolves, Gomes also boasts that Premier League experience that seems to have become a key factor for Amorim when it comes to recruitment.
The signings of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha - also from Wolves - in the summer are testament to that, along with the interest in Gomes, Wharton, Anderson and Baleba.
If reports are true, Cunha could be joined at Carrington by his former Brazilian teammate at Molineux sooner rather than later.
man utd ruben amorim Related
Bullet Dodged: 3 Things That Prove Man Utd Must Not Sign Carlos Baleba in 2026
Man Utd must make a big U-turn on an INEOS decision for 2026 after three things that happened on Saturday.