Joao Gomes is among several midfielders that Manchester United could sign, though an encouraging new update has emerged on the Reds' pursuit of the Wolves and Brazil man
Joao Gomes during a Wolves game
Wolves star Joao Gomes has been linked with a move to Manchester United
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Manchester United are reportedly optimistic about striking a deal to sign Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes in January. Ruben Amorim's side are keen to strengthen in that area of the pitch and Gomes, 24, is a top target, having impressed during his time in the Premier League.
Gomes swapped Flamengo for Wolves in a deal worth £16.4million in January 2023 and he has since made 93 top-flight appearances, scoring six goals and adding two assists. The Brazilian has been a shining light in a poor Wolves side this season and there is talk he could leave the club in the winter.
Indeed, according to Brazilian media outlet Globo, United want to sign Gomes, who still has four-and-a-half years left on his contract at Wolves, during the January transfer window.
It's added that the Reds have held talks about completing a £44m deal and there is optimism among all parties that the transaction will be completed by the end of 2025.
Progress has been made and United are expected to intensify negotiations with Gomes in the next month, with the Reds eager to get a deal confirmed for the start of the new year. Amorim's men missed out on signing a midfielder in the summer, so bringing in Gomes would be a welcome addition to the squad.
Carlos Baleba was United's first-choice midfield target in pre-season but the Reds failed to secure the Cameroon international's services and he instead remained at Brighton. Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson and Angelo Stiller remain among the other midfielders that United have been linked with.
Casemiro has cemented his spot as Amorim's No.6 alongside Bruno Fernandes this season, but United want to upgrade that position despite Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo struggling for regular game time.
Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Gomes
Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes is believed to be on Manchester United's radar
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United had been on a five-game unbeaten streak until they took on Everton on Monday. Indeed, the Reds ended up falling to a grab 1-0 defeat against the ten-man Toffees, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's first-half strike proving decisive. Amorim's side huffed and puffed in the second period but had to settle for a first defeat since September.
"Frustration, disappointment about the way we play the game," Amorim said post-match. "I think they were the better team with 11, they defend really well with 10 men [for] 70 minutes. So I think we deserved to lose, we didn't play well, we didn't play with the right intensity, and that's it."
Next up for United is a difficult-looking trip to an in-form Crystal Palace on Sunday. The Reds have failed to win at Selhurst Park since July 2020, having drawn three and lost two of their last five visits.