Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes is reportedly a transfer target for Manchester United (Image: GETTY)
Manchester United have identified Wolves' Joao Gomes as a potential long-term successor to Casemiro in their midfield, according to reports. Gomes only joined in January last year, arriving from Flamengo for £15million, but has been a key player at Molineux ever since.
The 23-year-old has even been called up to the Brazil senior squad for the current international break as a result of his Premier League form. Gomes could make his debut for his country against England at Wembley.
It would be reward for a fine season which peaked with him scoring twice in a 2-1 win away at Tottenham last month. That is not his usual game though, with the midfielder known as 'The Pitbull' in his homeland. That is because of his defensive tenacity and ball-winning abilities.
And theDaily Mirrorsay that United are scouring for a new holding midfielder for the summer and have earmarked Gomes as an option. Casemiro could depart Old Trafford after two seasons with his levels having dipped alarmingly this term. A lucrative move to Saudi Arabia has been mooted.
Gomes' 32-year-old compatriot has struggled physically compared to last year when he was one of the signings of the season. He played 53 times in his debut United campaign, scoring seven goals and assisting seven times too, and netted a header in the Carabao Cup final win over Newcastle.
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This term he has managed 21 appearances, still scoring five goals and assisting another two, but struggling with injury problems and not offering the same protection to the backline that he did in his first year in England. As such, United are on the hunt for a younger combative midfielder to put next to the blossoming Kobbie Mainoo.
United are claimed to have watched Gomes on several occasions this season including in a recent win over Fulham at Molineux. Spurs and Newcastle are also admirers of the player, who it is said could cost around £40m.
Wolves are reportedly aware of the growing interest in his talents and are already drafting up potential replacements in case they lose Gomes after just 18 months. United replacing Casemiro with Gomes would fit in with new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe's vision.
The INEOS chief has made it clear he wants United to sign players who can grow into world-class talents rather than spending big on already established stars. That is essentially what they did with £70m Casemiro, who has proven only a shot-term success in Manchester.
United have also looked at Wolves winger Pedro Neto, who could be an option to replace Antony. Crystal Palace forward Michael Olise is another who the Red Devils like. Both Neto and Olise have struggled with injuries in recent seasons, however.
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Casemiro has struggled for form for Man Utd this season (Image: GETTY)
United's forward line could also be reshaped in the summer with PSG casting a glance at Marcus Rashford and £85m flop Antony in line to leave. Anthony Martial will depart upon the expiry of his contract with the club.
Ratcliffe said this week: "I'd rather find the next Mbappe than spend a fortune trying to buy success. It's not that clever, is it, buying Mbappe, in a way? Anyone could figure that one out. Much more challenging is to find the next Mbappe or Jude Bellingham or the next Roy Keane.
"The solution isn't spending a lot of money on a couple of great players. They've done that over the last 10 years. We must make sure we get recruitment right, such a vital part of running a football club is getting recruitment right, finding new players."
