Manchester United have been heavily linked with Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Gomes ahead of the January transfer window
Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Gomes is believed to be on Manchester United's radar
Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Gomes is believed to be on Manchester United's radar
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Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Rob Edwards insists there has been no formal interest in Joao Gomes amid Manchester United's links to the midfielder. Gomes has emerged as a potential target for the Reds as they prepare to overhaul the midfield in the summer transfer window.
Casemiro, who has excelled in midfield this season, is set to leave the club should a new contract not be agreed. United do hold an option to extend his stay by a further 12 months but the MEN understands the Reds would rather make an effort to lower his salary than to roll it on.
Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton and Brighton's Carlos Baleba have been linked with United but both players are valued at around £100m. Gomes though would be considerably less, especially if Wolves are relegated from the Premier League this season. The West Midlands club recently appointed Edwards as their new manager.
Before his first game in charge of the club against Palace, Edwards was asked about the possibility of Gomes leaving Molineux either in January or the summer transfer window. He said: "We’ve spoken about stuff but my focus has been on getting the team organised. We have got some good players and there will always be interest, but I’m not aware of anything. Joao has been excellent this week."
Wolves went on to lose 2-0 in Edwards' first match and should this form continue, Gomes will be looking to leave to maintain his status as a Premier League player. Should United be the ones to win the race for Gomes, the Brazilian's arrival would be welcomed by Matheus Cunha. Speaking previously about his former teammate, Cunha insisted Gomes had the potential to be as good as Casemiro.
He said: "He is a bit older now but I put Casemiro's name there only to show where Joao Gomes could arrive. I think Joao has the possibility to arrive. He is very humble, and he works a lot. The good teams come like a gift when you do that.
"He is unbelievable on the pitch. I feel very secure. I feel like I can lose the ball when I have my midfielders behind me. He played very well for the national team, too."