Premier League star ‘wants to join Man United’ – Matheus Cunha could be key to agreement
Wolves’ expected relegation from the Premier League could give Man United the green light to sign Joao Gomes next summer.
That is according to ex-Aberdeen and Everton and Aston Villa chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who does not believe a deal will be struck in January between Wolves and Man United for Gomes.
Gomes has emerged as a target for Man United, as the club explore their options to sign a new midfielder.
Man United are admirers of Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, but the 21-year-old would cost the Red Devils £100million.
Wolves ‘will do all they can to keep’ Joao Gomes
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes Wolves will not want to sell Gomes in January despite their position at the bottom of the Premier League table.
Wolves have appointed Rob Edwards as their new manager, after failing to win any of their opening 11 league games under Vitor Pereira.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness has heard that Gomes wants to move to Old Trafford, and that former Wolves star Matheus Cunha could be key to a deal.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “It’s a difficult one. I mean, would I be thinking midfield is still the issue for United? It’s right the way through the whole team, to be honest.
“And I think, you know, Wolves will fight this tooth and nail. But I am hearing that the player would like to make that move. You know, there’s history behind Wolves and United in terms of signing players. And I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s been a few words and some ears from Cunha to talk to Gomes.
“Let’s see, but I’m thinking that Wolves will do all they can to keep him even though United would want him. So if anything’s going to happen, I think it would be next summer.
“And I think it would be if Wolves were relegated, then I think he would definitely go and United would be a suitor at that time. So I don’t think anything will happen in January.”
Man United could lose Kobbie Mainoo
Man United will need a new midfielder in January, if the club allow Kobbie Mainoo to leave to find more playing time elsewhere.
Mainoo could strengthen Man United’s financial position if he was to be sold, but the upcoming African Cup of Nations [AFCON] means Ruben Amorim will lose key players in his squad.
Therefore, Amorim may need to look for reinforcements in January with Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui all set to be away with their countries.