Whitwell: Man Utd only willing to sign £44m EPL star in January on one condition

Manchester United continue to track Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Gomes, but a January deal largely depends on the circumstances.Heading into 2026, the Red Devils’ main priority is to bolster the midfield department, having already pulled off an attacking overhaul last summer.However, it remains unclear whether INEOS will take action on this front as early as January, or delay their plans until June.The Athletic journalist Laurie Whitwell delves into the situation, revealing what Man Utd directors have in mind.Man United’s January plans revealedThe source confirms United had agreed personal terms with Carlos Baleba last summer, but backed off because of Brighton’s whopping asking price of £115 million. At the same time his dipping form this season may have waned the club’s interest.Thanks to his impressive displays for Nottingham Forest and England, Elliot Anderson is now at the top of Jason Wilcox’s shortlist, but Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton is not too far behind.Joao Gomes (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)In addition to the England duo, United are closely following Wolves’ Gomes, a name that has been gaining ground in recent days.The 24-year-old formed a brilliant partnership with fellow Brazilian Andre last season, but the entire team has been in disarray this term, as evidenced by their appalling place in the Premier League standings.Therefore, Gomes is said to be eager to join MUFC and thus escape Wolves’ seemingly inevitable relegation.Is Joao Gomes a realistic target for Man Utd in JanuaryThe Flamengo youth product would cost Man Utd circa £44 million, which is a relatively affordable figure compared to the asking prices of Baleba and Anderson.But as Whitwell explains, the Reds aren’t planning to make any long-term signings, unless the circumstances change.In other words, United would be open to making loan moves, perhaps with one that includes an optional buy clause. On the other hand, they aren’t willing to commit to long-term signings, while knowing that the summer could present them with more favourable opportunities.So, unless Wolves open up to a loan move, which sounds highly unlikely considering their miserable status, Man Utd will simply have to wait for a bigger fish to fry in the summer.