Manchester United are looking for the next midfield star and Wolves man Joao Gomes has emerged as a potential transfer target.
This summer Manchester United will be looking to sign midfield talent to throw into the mix alongside wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo.
This involves finding a long-term replacement for 32-year-old Casemiro, with Manchester United and Brazil working to solve the same issue. And potentially, they could settle on the same solution.
A report from The Mirror last week claimed Manchester United are targeting Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes as a £40 million valued Casemiro replacement.
Joao Gomes makes Brazil debut
The former Flamengo midfielder was called into the Brazil squad for the first time this past week and stepped in forthe injured Casemiro.
Gomes has earned rave reviews in the Premier League, and he transferred this form to the international stage at Wembley.
The Manchester United linked player featured for all 90 minutes in Brazil’s 1-0 win, in which Kobbie Mainoo came on to make his international debut.
Gomes made most successful tackles in the match (three from three contested), made three interceptions, and four ball recoveries. He also won five fouls for Brazil.
National outlet Globo praised Gomes’ performance, commenting: “Fundamental defensively in occupying spaces and marking the English attack.
“The inefficiency in the creation process from within (England) has a lot to do with the way João Gomes makes himself omnipresent, but he can participate more with the ball at his feet.”
Gomes did only complete 82 per cent of his passes, so the criticism of him on the ball is valid. That near enough matches his season average for Wolves, 82.5 per cent.
Expect United to keep watching Gomes
Manchester United’s summer plans are being formulated, with new investors Ineos expected to shortly make appointments behind the scenes.
The decision makers will then assess the ongoing scouting reports and hold discussions, which will also involve manager Erik ten Hag too.
Joao Gomes is one of the names in the mix, and his performance for Brazil will have done him no harm at all, showing his ability to perform on the big stage.
The key to a transfer will be the price. Ineos won’t pay over the odds for a player, and if Wolves seek an unrealistic amount, expect United to simply look elsewhere.