Perfect Profile: Manutd Identify £40M Casemiro Replacement

Manchester United are reflecting upon a move for Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes – who was handed his Brazil debut against England.

United are looking to sign a holding midfielder this summer – with Casemiro likely to leave – and have identified £40million-rated Gomes as a potential replacement for his fellow Brazilian.

Gomes has been watched by United on several occasions this season, most recently earlier this month, when Wolves beat Fulham 2-1 at Molineux in the Premier League.

The 23-year-old, signed by Wolves for £12m from Flamengo in January 2023, was handed his first cap for Brazil against Gareth Southgate’s side at Wembley on Saturday.

Man Utd head coach Erik ten Hag hopes to remain in his post beyond the conclusion of the 2023/24 season and be backed during the summer market, as he looks to build a side capable of challenging for major domestic and European honours.

Gomes is enjoying an excellent campaign at Wolves and could be on the move at the end of this term.

Gomes, a combative central midfielder nicknamed ‘The Pitbull’ in his homeland, has also enticed interest from United’s Premier League rivals Tottenham and Newcastle.

Gomes matches the profile of new United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, now in charge of the club’s football operations, who wants a stop to the approach of spending huge fees on big names signing.