As United still looking to bolster their midfield, Wolverhampton Wanderers star Joao Gomes would cost £38 million this summer.

Following his January 2023 £16 million transfer from Flamengo, the Brazilian midfielder has fit in wonderfully at Molineux.

The traditional image of a samba football player is that of a technically gifted individual who values flair and tricks above the grit and determination required by English football.

However, the adaption process has been completely trouble-free for 23-year-old Gomes.

This Brazilian midfielder has the makings of a full-fledged central midfielder thanks to his technical skills and remarkable knack for defensive contributions. His tackling percentage is 99th percentile and his interceptions rank 92nd percentile, both of which are highly desirable in the Premier League.

Gomes, a 23-year-old who has been a mainstay for Brazil in their Copa America campaign this summer, was elevated to the Seleção after his impressive performances for Wolves. In fact, United’s midfielder Casemiro did not make the cut after a disappointing season, whereas Gomes did.

Old Trafford authorities are looking at the Wolves midfielder as a possible replacement for PSG’s Manuel Ugarte, according to the Manchester Evening News (MEN), and the Red Devils are contemplating a similar change at the club level.

Over the offseason, [Gomes] was a mainstay in Brazil’s Copa America campaign and has since played 49 times for Wolves. According to Football Transfers, Gomes is reportedly being considered for a move by Ineos and Dan Ashworth, two of the top European clubs that have been linked to him this summer.

The MEN reports that “Gomes could cost around £38m – more than double what Wolves paid for him over a year and a half ago.” In a recent interview regarding Wolves’ outstanding transfer business, manager Gary O’Neill offered a “dangling carrot” to entice midfielder Joey Ojo to stay with the Midlands side.

Sometimes we have to wait for things to be finished before we can get others due to the financial condition. Pedro (Neto) or anyone else who decides to quit won’t be able to do so if we are unable to find a suitable replacement in the allotted time.

“If someone is considering stealing our top players, we will not allow them to leave until we can secure competent replacements to assist us,” the English coach disclosed.

Old Trafford’s new recruitment strategy is identical to Gomes’s profile: a young, proven star in the Premier League who has not yet made the leap to a large club but has all the signs of having the ability to do so.

United would have to trade one of its current stars, perhaps Scott McTominay, to fund the transfer of the Brazilian, who is wanted for £38 million.