Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim may leverage Joao Gomes' ambition to play in the Champions League to secure the Wolves midfielder's signature. The Brazilian has previously expressed his desire to compete in Europe's elite competition, a goal that United are currently pursuing under Amorim's leadership.
United have enjoyed an improved run of form, going five Premier League games without defeat, which has lifted them to seventh place and within striking distance of a Champions League qualification spot. Amorim has identified a return to the Champions League as a key objective for the club.
The club hierarchy is prepared to support Amorim in the January transfer window, but a move for Gomes may be delayed until the summer. Wolves are reportedly unwilling to sell key players mid-season due to their relegation battle, and the 24-year-old is valued at around £44 million.
Gomes, who has been monitored by United for over 18 months, previously admitted his dream of playing Champions League football, even expressing a desire to do so for rivals Liverpool. However, United's potential qualification could make Old Trafford an attractive destination when they approach him next summer.
Amorim has stressed the importance of Champions League football, stating ahead of last season's Europa League final defeat to Tottenham: 'Personally for me, Champions League is more important for everything, to prepare the next season, and we are supposed to be in the Champions League.'
