Manchester United will not be able to sign Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes by triggering a release clause, as the Brazilian does not have one in his contract. The 24-year-old signed a new five-year deal with Wolves in April, which includes an option for an additional year.
Without a release clause, United may have to meet Wolves' demands for Gomes, believed to be around £44 million. This contrasts with the summer transfer of Matheus Cunha, who joined United from Wolves after his £62.5m buy-out clause was activated.
Cunha has expressed excitement at the prospect of reuniting with Gomes at Old Trafford, comparing him to United star Casemiro. 'He is unbelievable on the pitch. I feel very secure,' Cunha said. 'I think Joao has the possibility to arrive [at that level].'
However, United face competition from Liverpool, as Gomes previously stated his desire to play for the Reds. 'Liverpool is a team I would play for,' he told ESPN Brazil. 'Playing in the Champions League is my biggest dream.'
United are reportedly targeting Premier League-tested players for Ruben Amorim's rebuild, with interest also in Brighton's Carlos Baleba, Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton. Any move for Gomes is likely to wait until the summer, as Wolves have no plans to sell key players in January.
