Joao Gomes: Update on Liverpool deal today – Transfer expert
Liverpool and Man United are concerned about Joao Gomes’ disciplinary record and could be put off of making a move to sign the Wolves star.
That 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 the 23-year-old gets too many unnecessary bookings which has raised red flags.
This comes after he was sent off for two bookable offences during Wolves’ 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at Molineux, as many claimed his second yellow could even have been a red card.
Those bookings took his tally to six yellows and one red in 22 league games so far, after he finished last season as the fourth-most booked player in the Premier League.
Liverpool have been looking to bring in a new number six, with Gomes on their list of targets despite the initial concerns.
Brown explained that interested clubs could look elsewhere as they are reluctant to sign a player who could be walking a tightrope every other game.
However, if he can show an improvement before the end of the season, he remains a key target for a number of top clubs.
Liverpool could be put off making a move due to Joao Gomes’ history
Brown previously told Football Insider that both Man United and Liverpool have been keeping a close eye on Gomes this season with scouts in attendance at Molineux.
Now, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has explained the issues will be taken into account before either side makes a formal move.
“The amount of cards he picks up will be a concern,” he told Football Insider.
“The one thing people wouldn’t want is to recruit a player and then he’s not available every few games because he’s suspended.
“Even if he’s not picking up red cards, he might get a yellow in the first half of the game and then he’s walking a tightrope for the rest of it.
“So these clubs have to take that into account when they’re looking at him, and it might be something that puts them off.
“Whether it’s Liverpool, Man United, or another team, these are things to consider.
“How good he is and what his character’s like, these clubs will make sure they know if they have any serious intentions of signing him.
“But you have to weigh up the pros and cons and then make a decision.”
In other news, Liverpool to make Harvey Elliott contract offer imminently.
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