Wolverhampton Wanderers star Joao Gomes can remain on Manchester United’s radar - but they won’t be able to trigger his release.
Wolves’ midfielder is on the wanted list at Old Trafford as the latest plank of boss Ruben Amorim’s revamp of the club, with some reports suggesting a January deal is 'close'.
But the 24-year-old Brazilian international won’t be given a free pass to the exit door at Molineux.
Joao Gomes has 'No Sale Clause' in Wolves Contract
Joao Gomes
He signed a new Wolves contract seven months ago and it is understood that NO sale clause exists that could prompt his departure.
During the summer, Amorim and his recruitment team had no doubts about meeting the £62.5m fee for Cunha.
The deal went through smoothly and without a hitch as the player was a confirmed Manchester United supporter and wanted to play for the club.
Cunha signed a fresh deal that guaranteed a set figure in the season before his eventual exit.
But there is no such agreement in place for Gomes who is likely to be weighing up his options.
Wolves remain winless so far this season and are rooted to the foot of the Premier League table.
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The club looks odds-on to suffer relegation and with four tough away fixtures next month, the situation is unlikely to improve quickly - even though new boss Rob Edwards has taken over.
There was an improvement in performance on Saturday - but little in the way of an improvement in results.
The 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace made it 12 matches without victory and four upcoming away days at Villa Park, Old Trafford, the Emirates and Stamford Bridge do not bode well for the points tally.
All of which leaves Wolves - and potentially United too - with a decision to make.
If, as seems likely, the Molineux outfit is cut adrift at the foot of the table - they are already nine points and a markedly inferior goal difference behind West Ham United in 17th - it will fall upon the club to make decisions over their better players.
Wolves Owner Jeff Shi Faces Joao Gomes Dilemma
Wolverhampton Wanderers chairman Jeff Shi
Wolves executive chairman Jeff Shi will be charged with making good any shortfall suffered following relegation - and selling off Gomes would make serious inroads into that.
But the $64,000 question is whether Shi and Wolves’ owners Fosun International would admit defeat - or whether they would want to save face and attempt to right the wrong of relegation by asking the Samba star to stay.
If Gomes was to stay, he will be assured of his spot - albeit in a struggling team.
However, that would provide more of a safeguard for him with a World Cup taking place in the Americas next year.
The same also applies to Gomes’s midfield partner Andre, who will likewise be looking to impress if he is to move on.
Gomes has to weigh up whether staying put at Molineux for the remainder of the season - where he is guaranteed game-time - is worth a gamble.
A good showing in front of a global audience will send his own value sky-rocketing, potentially showcasing his talents to others who may be interested in acquiring him.
Or it’s a question of whether Wolves try to cash in during January - leaving the door very much open for the player to make the move to Old Trafford.