Man Utd given boost in the race for £35m EPL star who could link up with McTominay | OneFootball

Manchester United are reportedly one of the leading candidates to snatch the services of Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes next summer.

The Brazilian started his career at Flamengo, where he rose through the ranks to become one of the most exciting young midfielders in the country.

In January 2023, Wolves purchased the player’s contract by paying £15 million for his services, in what was deemed a superb coup for the Premier League boys.

Last year, Gomes extended his contract with the Molineux outfit until June 2030 with an option for another season. However, with the club virtually relegated to the Championship, the 25-year-old is expected to lead the summer exodus.

Man Utd &  Napoli duelling for Joao Gomes

In recent months, Gomes was heavily linked with a mid-season transfer to United. However, the Red Devils eventually opted to keep their squad intact until the end of the season.

On the other hand, a report in Brazil claimed that the box-to-box midfielder could head back to Flamengo in the summer.

However, famous Brazilian journalist Julio Miguel Neto was quick to shoot down this rumour, insisting that Gomes has no desire to return to his home country at this relatively early stage of his career.

(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Neto instead identifies Napoli as the favourites to recruit the Wolves wantaway, while insisting that Man Utd remain in the fray.

“The entourage of João Gomes have no intention of negotiating a return for the midfielder to Brazilian football,” posted the journalist on his X account.

“The player’s most likely destination is Napoli, with Manchester United also making enquiries.

“The club (Flamengo) have made no move for a holding midfielder. Filipe Luís, speaking after the win over Vitória, stressed that the squad is already well covered in that position.”

Why Gomes represents an inviting opportunity for Man United

With Casemiro leaving Carrington in June, United are expected to make at least two new signings to bolster their already-thin midfield department.

Man Utd have long identified Elliot Anderson as their ultimate first target ahead of next season, while Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba are also among the main candidates.

However, with each of the three aforementioned stars potentially commending a transfer fee in the region of £100 million, INEOS are only expected to sign one of them, while pursuing a more affordable profile to fill the second slot.

Thanks to Wolves’ imminent relegation, Gomes could be available on a cut-price deal, making him a suitable profile for the role. The Rio de Janeiro native’s value is estimated at €40 million (circa £35 million) by Transfermarkt, but United would certainly try to negotiate lower figures.

MUFC would also have to overcome competition from Napoli. Interestingly, some media outlets in Italy and England have been tipping the Red Devils to try to bring Scott McTominay back to Old Trafford, but the Scotsman could instead end up connecting with Gomes next season at the Stadio Maradona.