Boost for Man Utd as EPL ‘cult hero’ who idolises Casemiro will be available at £17m discount

Manchester United will have the opportunity to sign Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes at a comprehensive discount.

The Red Devils are preparing for what is shaping up to be an eventful summer transfer campaign, while the midfield department is set to be the crux.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY

The Premier League giants need at least two new additions to the middle of the park: One to fill in for Bruno Fernandes, who resumed his duty as an attacking midfielder under Michael Carrick, and another to replace the departing Casemiro.

If Manuel Ugarte follows the Brazilian to the exit door, a third addition cannot be ruled out.

With multiple vacancies to fill in midfield, it is only natural for Jason Wilcox and Christopher Vivell to draw a relatively long ‘shortlist’.

In recent days, reports linking Man Utd with Sandro Tonali have intensified, but some of the most reliable sources around Carrington insist that Elliot Anderson remains the primary target. However, the Nottingham Forest star is also wanted at Manchester City, so the Red Devils remain realistic about their chances of securing his signature.

Therefore, INEOS continue to monitor several other profiles, including Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba. Moreover, Joao Gomes has been one of the names circulating since the start of the season.

The Brazilian, who rose through the ranks of Flamengo, signed for Wolves in January 2023. Thanks to energetic displays and vital contributions all over the pitch, he rapidly acquired ‘cult hero’ status at the Molineux .

However, with Wolves lying at the very bottom of the Premier League, relegation appears to be inescapable, despite their recently improved form. And unfortunately, to the club’s supporters, exodus is synonymous with demotion.

According to The Daily Briefing , Gomes is one of the players who are likely to leave Wolves at the end of the season.

While the original asking price was €60 million (£52m), the price has now dropped to €40m-€45m (£35-£39m).

Earlier in his career, Gomes had identified Casemiro and Sergio Busquets as his playing idols , in addition to Ronaldinho.

Sadly for the 25-year-old, even if he moves to United in the summer, he won’t have the chance to play alongside Casemiro, who has already announced his departure, but perhaps he could be granted the honour of inheriting his No.6 shirt.

Nevertheless, it should be noted that the Wolves star wouldn’t be a like-for-like replacement to his compatriot, as he tends to operate higher up the pitch.

Needless to say, Gomes isn’t the first name on Man Utd’s shortlist, and perhaps not even in the Top five. However, INEOS certainly can’t afford to make three big investments like Anderson, Tonali and Baleba in the same summer, with each costing at least £80 million.

Therefore, Wilcox will have to settle for a more affordable profile, especially if three new midfielders are required, so Gomes could represent a decent solution.