Wolves star Joao Gomes has been linked with a move to Manchester United in recent months but Ruben Amorim won't get to see him in action next week
Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim is keen to strengthen his Manchester United squad this summer
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Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim will miss out on the chance to see one of his midfield transfer targets in action next week when they take on Wolves in the Premier League.
United are expected to consider their options in January when the transfer window opens. The Reds added a new goalkeeper, striker and two more forwards in the summer, but failed to acquire a new central midfielder.
A move for Carlos Baleba never lifted off the ground after Brighton & Hove Albion's price tag was deemed to be too high. Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton and Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson are also said to be under consideration after their impressive seasons so far.
However, another name has emerged in recent months with Wolves' Brazilian star Joao Gomes. The 24-year-old was previously linked with a move to Old Trafford, before United's £50 million signing of Manuel Ugarte in 2024.
Wolves currently sit at the bottom of the Premier League after 14 games, winning zero and managing to pick up just two points. Uncertainty over the future of certain players has arisen ahead of the January transfer window, including Gomes.
Joao Gomes
Joao Gomes picked up a yellow card in Wolves' defeat to Nottingham Forest
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According to The Telegraph, Wolves' stance on the Brazilian's price tag is that he is worth more with the club in the Premier League, rather than as a Championship outfit if they are relegated. Reports elsewhere have also suggested the midfielder could cost close to £44m.
Following their midweek defeat to Nottingham Forest, the Wanderers travel to Old Trafford on Monday looking to earn their first win of the season. The game was earmarked as an opportunity for Amorim to see Gomes in the flesh ahead of the window, but that won't be happening.
Gomes picked up his fifth yellow card on Wednesday night, meaning he will serve a one-game suspension. It means Rob Edwards will have to turn to his squad for the trip to Old Trafford, with Marshall Munetsi the favourite to replace him.
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton is set to be in demand when the summer transfer window opens
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton is set to be in demand when the summer transfer window opens
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Fellow Brazilian Andre is another Wolves player that Amorim and United will have one eye on. The midfielder has been linked with United previously and has also been tipped for a move to Arsenal and Liverpool.
It remains to be seen whether United will be active in the January transfer window. However, possible departures could play a huge role, with several players attracting interest.
It's been reported that Kobbie Mainoo, Joshua Zirkzee, Ugarte and Tyrell Malacia are all players who could be allowed to leave. None of the four have been regular starters this season, and ESPN have claimed that the club will be open to offers.
With Bryan Mbeumo, Amad and Noussair Mazraoui set to play at the Africa Cup of Nations, United face the prospect of leaving Amorim short for the second half of the season.