Joao Gomes to Man Utd: Wolves make official statement in response to ‘advanced talks’ claim

New Wolves boss Rob Edwards has issued a response following claims that midfielder Joao Gomes is on his way to Manchester United during the January transfer window.

Reports broke in Gomes’ native Brazil over the weekend that there are “advanced talks” between Man Utd and Wolves over a deal for the 24-year-old.

A transfer in the region of €50 million has been lined up for the winter window, with the Red Devils seeking to find a long-term replacement for Casemiro, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

With the veteran’s contract unlikely to be renewed as United are unwilling to match his current wage, Gomes has risen above Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson to become their likeliest January signing.

Edwards, though, has denied the claims that there has been an official approach from Ruben Amorim’s side.

The former Luton Town boss, who was only appointed to the Wolves job on 12 November, said: “We’ve spoken about stuff but my focus has been on getting the team organised. We have got some good players and there will always be interest, but I’m not aware of anything. Joao has been excellent this week.”

Wolves need Joao Gomes for impossible task

Edwards’ desire will be to retain Gomes, regardless of the windfall that it could bring to Wolves.

The 42-year-old has taken over at Molineux in a period of crisis. Wolves are rock bottom of the Premier League, and with just two points from their opening 12 matches of the season, are already staring relegation in the face.

If the situation is to be salvaged, it will require Edwards to retain his best players for the duration of the season – and that means somehow keeping Joao Gomes out of Man Utd’s clutches in January.

Related stories:

Amorim reveals Mainoo’s Man Utd future with January transfer statement

Amorim admits ‘surprise’ as Casemiro transfer demand issued at Man Utd

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