Manchester United 'lining up £40m move for Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Gomes'

The 23-year-old made the move to Wolves from Flamengo last January, with the Premier League club beating French giants Lyon to his signature.

Gomes has made 39 appearances for his current side in all competitions, scoring three goals and registering one assist in the process.

The Brazilian has been an important player for Gary O'Neil's side during the 2023-24 campaign, meanwhile, featuring 28 times, scoring twice and providing one assist.

Gomes has a contract at Molineux until June 2028, with the option of a further 12 months, but according to The Mirror, Man United will push for his signature during this summer's transfer window.

The report claims that the 20-time English champions are planning to move for a defensive midfielder in the upcoming market, with Casemiro widely expected to depart.

Man United are said to be scouted Gomes - thought to be valued at £40m - in recent weeks, with the Red Devils now preparing to move for him at the end of the season.

However, the club could face competition from both Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, with Wolves said to be identifying possible replacements for Gomes this summer.

The Brazilian's standout performance for Wolves came against Tottenham last month, when he scored twice in a 2-1 success for O'Neil's team at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Casemiro, who is facing more time out with a muscular problem, has another two years left to run on his contract at Old Trafford, with the option of a further 12 months.

The 32-year-old continues to be linked with a summer exit, though, with teams from Saudi Arabia believed to be keeping a close eye on his situation in Manchester.

Kobbie Mainoo is viewed as the future of the Man United midfield, but Christian Eriksen could join Casemiro in leaving the club this summer, while Sofyan Amrabat is unlikely to be signed on a permanent basis, having struggled to impress while on loan from Fiorentina.

Bruno Fernandes is also expected to remain a key player for the Red Devils next season, but Scott McTominay's future continues to be called into question.

Man United are planning to be active this summer under new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, but the size of the club's budget will be impacted if Champions League football is not secured for the 2024-25 campaign.