Manchester United have been linked with a move for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba but the Seagulls are believed to want around £104million for the Cameroon international
Manchester United have found out how much it would cost to sign Joao Gomes from Wolves(Image: Wolves via Getty Images)
Manchester United are reportedly setting their sights on Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes as a potential January acquisition, in a deal that could save them £60million compared to signing Carlos Baleba.
The Red Devils have been linked with the Brighton and Hove Albion star, but it’s suggested that the Seagulls would demand around £104million (€120m) for the Cameroon international.
Portuguese media outlet Record reports that Gomes is open to a move to Old Trafford and could be signed for just £44m ahead of the January window.
Wolves’ precarious position in England’s top-flight could be a bargaining chip for the former Flamengo midfielder, as the Daily Mail reported that United were priced out of moves for Baleba and Conor Gallagher during the summer transfer window.
Ruben Amorim had a busy summer, bringing in much-needed reinforcements to his squad, including Senne Lammens, Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha from Wolves.
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Their spending exceeded £230million after these additions, but so far, they’ve seen the benefits, bouncing back after one of their worst top-flight seasons in decades. United finished 14th last term and missed out on European qualification, following a defeat in the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur.
With quality added in attack and goalkeeping positions, it’s widely believed that midfield will be their next area of focus, particularly as Casemiro approaches the end of his career, turning 34 in February.
The Mail has reported that England’s young talents, Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson, are attracting attention due to their exceptional performances for Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest, respectively. However, the pair will likely cost around the £100m mark, meaning Gomes represents a much cheaper option.
Their Premier League exploits have led to increased demand for the pair, and calls for them to join this summer’s World Cup squad could potentially inflate their already high price tags.
Meanwhile, ESPN previously reported that both Manchester clubs hold an interest in Baleba, with Pep Guardiola known to be a long-time admirer of the midfielder. A bidding war between the two clubs for his signature is expected.
Last summer, it was rumoured that Brighton would ask for £104million for his services. However, after remaining at the AMEX Stadium, it’s unclear what the asking price will be given the high demand for the midfielder.
Seagulls manager Fabian Hurzeler has acknowledged that the player’s form has been affected by transfer speculation over the summer.
He commented last month: “I think it’s normal for a young player when the media creates the noise around him,’ he said. ‘It’s not easy for this player to handle it.
“Therefore, we need to give him the time and support so he comes back to his best performance.
“But he’s a young player and I think that’s something we have to accept, that young players don’t always have the face we want to see.”
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