21 March 2024 , 10:00
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Manchester United are weighing up a move for Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes – who could make his Brazil debut against England.
United are looking to sign a holding midfielder this summer - with Casemiro likely to leave – and have identified £40million-rated Gomes as a potential replacement for his fellow Brazilian. Gomes has been watched by United on several occasions this season, most recently earlier this month, when Wolves beat Fulham 2-1 at Molineux in the Premier League.
The 23-year-old, signed by Wolves for £12m from Flamengo in January 2023, is expected to be handed his first cap for Brazil against Gareth Southgate's side at Wembley on Saturday.
Gomes, a combative central midfielder nicknamed 'The Pitbull' in his homeland, has also attracted interest from United's Premier League rivals Tottenham and Newcastle.
Wolves are aware there will be interest in Gomes this summer and are understood to have begun the process of identifying a replacement, should they end up selling him.
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Gomes produced a stand-out performance as Wolves beat Treble winners Manchester City 2-1 earlier this season and scored both goals in a win by the same scoreline over Spurs last month.
He fits the profile of new United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, now in charge of the club's football operations, who wants an end to the policy of spending exorbitant fees on star names.
Man Utd are looking at Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes as a potential replacement for fellow Brazilian CasemiroUnited have already identified Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite as their major defensive summer target, with the club adopting a new policy of signing younger players who have long-term value.
“The solution isn't spending a lot of money on a couple of great players,” said Ratcliffe. “They've done that over the last 10 years.”
United signed Casemiro, then 30, for £70m in August 2022, but the former Real Madrid star has struggled this season and is set to make way for a younger midfielder - with Gomes fitting the bill.
Gomes is third in the Premier League list of tackles made this season with 83, his industry and ball-winning skills making him the ideal midfield partner for United and England rising star Kobbie Mainoo.
As well as Gomes, United have also been keeping tabs on his Wolves team-mate, Portuguese winger Pedro Neto, as a potential replacement for £85m flop Antony. With United willing to listen to offers for Antony this summer and the future of Marcus Rashford uncertain, with PSG planning to move for him again, Neto has emerged as a potential target.
Liverpool and Arsenal have also been linked with a move for Neto, 24, who joined Wolves from Lazio for £16m in 2019.
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