Manchester United have been credited with interest in Wolves midfielder João Gomes ahead of this forthcoming summer's transfer window.
According to a report by the Mirror, United are 'weighing up' a move for the 23-year-old, who joined Wolves from Brazilian outfit Flamengo in January 2023. It is claimed the Reds have 'identified' him as a potential replacement for Casemiro, who could be sold this summer.
Casemiro, despite playing a starring role in United's third-placed finish in the Premier League last season, has regressed considerably this term, failing to provide the defensive nous and control he so often contributed in his maiden season at Old Trafford. His passing, at times, has been erratic, meaning he has often left the Reds exposed.
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But as a result of Sofyan Amrabat failing to have the impact he would have liked after arriving from Fiorentina on loan last September, it has meant Erik ten Hag has often stuck with Casemiro. However, he is now at risk of facing a fresh stint on the sidelines with a recurring hamstring problem.
He missed Sunday's FA Cup win over Liverpool but was not replaced by Amrabat, who is the most like-for-like candidate within the squad to succeed him in the defensive-midfield berth. Instead, Ten Hag parachuted in Scott McTominay, meaning Kobbie Mainoo was tasked with operating slightly deeper.
Mainoo, who was outstanding against the Merseyside outfit, often drove forward from deep, leaving United exposed in the centre of the pitch. The youngster's showing demonstrated that his long-term future is as a progressive-midfielder, operating as a No.8, opposed to doing the dirty side of the game in the No.6 berth.
It is why United, ideally, need to sign an adequate defensive-midfielder ahead of next season who can complement his qualities and give the Reds more balance in the engine room. They have already been linked with a collection of potential candidates, the latest being Gomes.
Why is João Gomes being linked with Man Utd?
The Brazilian has made impressive strides since arriving in England a little over 12 months ago, establishing himself as one of the most promising defensive-midfielders in the Premier League. This season, only Fulham's João Palinha (110), who has been linked with United in the past, and Sheffield United midfielder Vinícius Souza (105) have completed more tackles in the Premier League than Gomes (83).
Gomes has averaged 3.5 tackles per 90 in the Premier League this term, a record that can only be bettered by Palinha (4.6) and Souza (3.9). Known as 'The Pitbull' during his time at Flamengo, Gomes thrives on winning the ball back and doing the dirty side of the game, highlighted by his tally of 5.5 ball recoveries per 90 in the Premier League this season.
Casemiro, by comparison, has averaged 3.3 tackles per 90 and 4.9 ball recoveries per 90 in the Premier League this season. As a caveat, Gomes has featured in nine more league games than the United midfield enforcer this term.
Mainoo, despite his all-round capabilities, is developing a skillset that suggests he wants to attack the penalty area and drive forward. He has the thrust and technical ability to do that, though he cannot be discounted from sitting deep and dictating play from that area of the pitch.
Ultimately, Gomes, who has scored three goals for Wolves this season, ticks several boxes that would enable him to slot into United's midfield and conduct the role as the anchor, providing a layer of protection for the back-four behind him, while being able to dictate from deep. United, most importantly, need to ensure they get this signing right, both in terms of finding the right balance for the team and to help enhance Mainoo's progress.
