Exclusive: Liverpool and Man United in race to sign Joao Gomes
Man United and Liverpool have been keeping a close eye on Wolves star Joao Gomes this season with a potential January move in mind.
This is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that both clubs have had scouts in attendance at Molineux to watch the midfielder.
Liverpool are keen to strengthen their midfield in the transfer market after missing out on a move for Martin Zubimendi in the summer, while United are assessing options all over the pitch.
Gomes, 23, has been a standout performer for Wolves this season despite their struggles, having started 19 of their 20 Premier League games so far.
Those performances have also helped him earn nine caps for Brazil, while attracting interest from some of Europe’s elite clubs.
However, Wolves are not willing to lose any of their star players mid-way through the season as they continue their efforts to pull clear of the relegation zone.
As a result, Gomes’ exit is more likely to take place in the summer, with both United and Liverpool set to continue scouting him in the remainder of the season.
Liverpool and Man United scouts tracking Wolves star Joao Gomes
The midfielder arrived at Molineux from Flamengo in 2023, and his contract is set to run until 2028, meaning any deal for his exit would have to include a significant fee.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in player recruitment at the top level after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that the clubs could capitalise on Wolves’ recent financial issues to make a move.
“United and Liverpool have been keeping tabs on him,” he told Football Insider.
“Both have had scouts at Wolves’ games so they’ll be well aware of what he can bring to the team.
“All the top clubs will be keeping an eye on sides towards the bottom of the league to see whether any of their players would be capable of the step up.
“We know Wolves have had these financial issues, so clubs will be looking to explore whether they can make a move and capitalise on that.
“But I think if he does leave Wolves it will take a big offer, because they don’t want to let him go, especially not in the middle of the season.“
In other news, Wolves open preliminary Kelechi Iheanacho talks.
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