Man United lead Liverpool for Joao Gomes transfer

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Joao Gomez in Wolves’ match against Crystal Palace (Photo by Mark Atkins/Getty Images)

Manchester United’s midfield target list is growing into a very long list, with sources mentioning Joao Gomez as another name for me today.

Reminder – it’s quite standard for clubs to evaluate long lists of targets for most positions before deciding on priority, so, as always, the Red Devils’ genuine interest in this Premier League star does not mean a deal is in the works yet, or that it will definitely go anywhere concrete.

However, I can reveal that Manchester United scouts have been keeping a close eye on Wolves player Gomez this season, having also been one of the clubs tracking him in the past.

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Previously, it was understood that Liverpool were also keeping a close eye on Gomez, although I have been reliably told that their interest has now decreased.

So, for now at least, if anyone were to sign Gomez it would likely be United, with sources close to a number of the game’s leading agents telling me there is a “strong appreciation” of the Brazilian’s qualities at Old Trafford.

Why does Manchester United love Joao Gomez?

“Joao Gomez is attracting strong interest,” a source told me. “United scouts highly value his energetic playing style. He is seen as someone who could be ideal to replace Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte.”

Joao Gomez in Wolves’ match against Fulham (Photo by Dan Estetini/Getty Images)

The situation is likely to be one to follow next summer rather than next January, with Wolves insisting on keeping the player, according to multiple sources. The club is currently in the relegation battle, and the player is under contract until 2030.

Obviously if they are relegated they will face pressure to sell, but for now Wolves will certainly do everything in their power to keep Gomez so he can help them survive.

No asking price or anything like that has been mentioned yet – sources close to Wolves are keeping mum on that because their position is clear and strong: Gomez is under contract and not for sale.

This leaves United with a decision to make – do they focus on Gomez as a long-term priority and therefore wait until the summer? Or will Ruben Amorim push for a new signing in the position in January?