Manchester United are close to a conclusion in negotiations to sign a destructive midfielder from a Premier League rival, in a transfer that will almost certainly see Kobbie Mainoo leave Old Trafford in January.
There has been a lot of speculation that Manchester United will renew Ruben Amorim’s engine room over the next two transfer windows, and a number of names have been linked with the Red Devils.
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Fraser Fletcher of TEAMtalk recently revealed that Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba are all on the buy list.
However, none of this trio is mentioned in the latest reports on Manchester United’s January goals, as Wolves star João Gomes, nicknamed “The Pitbull”, is said to be heading to Old Trafford instead.
There has recently been speculation about the 24-year-old’s future. Several clubs are looking for the Brazilian while Wolves’ problems at the wrong end of the table continue.
Wolverhampton are still at the very bottom of the Premier League. And after Saturday’s 0 – 2 loss at the Molineux Stadium against Crystal Palace, you have to have your eyes on it to see the red line and survival.
United are one of the clubs that have an interest in the player, and according to Brazilian media Trivela, the discussions between the Red Devils and Wolves have developed in recent days and come close to a conclusion.
They write that Gomes is expected to join Amorim’s squad in the January window in a deal worth €50 million.
Gomes has been one of Wolves’ strongest performers in a disappointing season for the club, making 15 appearances across all competitions, making a total of 104 appearances, scoring seven goals and adding four assists in that period.
If the report is accurate, United would get a destructive defensive midfielder who is also strong technically. He would also cost significantly less than the other goals mentioned above.
Mainoo to Napoli gathers momentum
If United do manage to secure Gomes, or another top midfield target, it is more likely that Kobbie Mainoo will be allowed to complete the proposed transfer to Napoli.
The England midfielder is desperate for regular game time in the second half of the 2025/26 season to have a chance of securing a return to the England squad for next summer’s World Cup.
However, Mainoo has been made aware that he is in direct competition with Bruno Fernandes for a role in midfield, and so far the 20-year-old Englishman has not started a single Premier League game this season.
Ruben Amorim is said to be desperate to keep Mainoo, the addition of another central midfielder will further reduce his chances of starting games.
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