EXCLUSIVE: Man Utd reaffirm Gomes interest after ending Ugarte pursuit

Steve Kay

• Updated: 5 Aug 2024 21:02 BST
• 3 min read

Exclusive

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.

The PSG man had been Man Utd's top target for the defensive midfield position, but the €60 million asking price has proven too steep.

David Ornstein has reported that the Red Devils have left the negotiations and will only return if PSG lower their demands, something they have thus far shown no intention of doing.

READ MORE: Man Utd drop interest in top target Manuel Ugarte - Ornstein

Man Utd will now focus on different midfield targets and we understand that Gomes is high on the list of potential options.

There is still a chance for either - or both - Casemiro and Scott McTominay to depart and Gomes is seen as a suitable replacement, being capable of playing in central midfield and in a more withdrawn role.

Gomes a man in demand

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.

The Red Devils hold a long-standing interest in the Wolves star, with FootballTransfers also reporting about their interest in March and April.

READ MORE: Exclusive - Mainoo to replace Rashford as the face of Man Utd

Gomes, who was previously considered by Real Madrid as a replacement for Casemiro, opted for a move to Wolves to further his development.

Known as 'The Pitbull' in Brazil, the 23-year-old is often likened to Casemiro due to his similar style of play.

His arrival at Old Trafford could come in a bid to replace his compatriot, whom he has previously cited as one of his idols.