Manchester United eyeing Joao Gomes of Wolves as Manuel Ugarte alternative | OneFootball

Manchester United’s pre-season tour of the United States once again served as a reminder to INEOS of the need to strengthen in the middle of the park.

Casemiro struggles against quality teams and he can no longer shield the backline on his own, something fans saw last season. Erik ten Hag remains keen on keeping the Brazilian but the new co-owners have something else in mind.

Moving the former Real Madrid superstar on would clear the wage bill significantly but so far, no Saudi Pro League clubs have come forward with a concrete bid.

That has, in turn, meant the Red Devils have failed to raise enough capital to land their primary defensive midfield target Manuel Ugarte.

DM needed

Paris Saint-Germain’s asking price has proved to be beyond United’s reach and they have exited the race for now and will only consider re-entering talks should his asking price reduce drastically.

Sander Berge has emerged as a surprise target and while he did impress for relegated Burnley last season, fans would not be too enthused with the signing.

Football Transfers have claimed that following the club’s exit from the Ugarte race, the Old Trafford side have now shifted their focus to Joao Gomes of Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Peoples Person had written about the Brazilian last season as well and it seems, the three-time Champions League winners are once again looking at signing the 23-year-old.

He is Premier League proven and his age profile and ability to play in multiple midfield roles will be a huge asset for any team. Add to the fact that his asking price would be around £38 million and it is easy to see why he is in demand.

The Brazil international is also a target for Chelsea and with the midfielder a fan of Casemiro, a move to the Theatre of Dreams is expected to be a bigger draw than joining the Blues.

“Manchester United are still interested in Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Gomes, FootballTransfers understands.

“Sources have reaffirmed to us that the Red Devils are keen on the Brazilian in light of the news that they have ended their pursuit of Manuel Ugarte.

Gomes once again a target

“Chelsea also have their eyes on Gomes and may intensify their pursuit after the sale of Conor Gallagher to Atletico Madrid.

“Indeed, the competition for Gomes’ signature is heating up, with a transfer fee of around £38 million (€44m) being discussed – an amount that is within reach for both Man Utd and Chelsea.”

Known as “The Pitbull” for his relentless pressing and work-ethic, Gomes’ game bears similarities with that of United’s Brazilian midfielder and he was once also a target for Real Madrid.

He has already replaced the five-time Champions League winner at international level and could be about to do the same at club level now.

Whether United have the cash to land the Wolves star remains to be seen. Other targets include Sofyan Amrabat, Youssouf Fofana and Morten Hjulmand.

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