Sky Sports journo shares what he’s hearing about United’s interest in £44m PL midfielder who’s garnering European interest

Manchester United-linked Joao Gomes could have his pick of a few suitors if he leaves Wolverhampton Wanderers, whether that be this month or in the summer.Joining the Red Devils in the race for the midfielder is Napoli and, after this week’s developments, Atletico Madrid.Why Joao Gomes is attracting more interest(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)Atelti signed off on the departure of Conor Gallagher, who was also thought to be a target for United, to Tottenham Hotspur for £34 million, meaning reinforcements are now required in the middle of the park for the second half of the campaign.Alas, they have deemed Gomes a suitable replacement for the Englishman.Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas has verified the Spanish outfit’s interest, adding that Napoli have ‘had a look’ at his situation and United have him ‘on their list for the summer’. #AtleticoMadrid are interested in signing #Wolves’ Joao Gomes. There has been no formal contact yet but Gomes is one of two top targets for #Atletico in midfield after Gallagher sale. #Napoli have also had a look and we know he is on #MUFC list for the summer:… pic.twitter.com/ikRYVD0vaZ — Lyall Thomas (@SkySportsLyall) January 15, 2026Could United push for Gomes mid-season?(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)Should any club ignite their pursuit in the winter window, it may force United to act by also entering the race earlier than they had originally planned to.The funds are there in case any long-term targets become available, hence numerous outlets confirming United would’ve shelled out Antoine Semenyo’s £60 million release clause this month had he not chosen Manchester City instead.Wolves value the Brazilian in the region of £44m – three years after they paid Flamengo £15m for him.Gomes, 24, earned the Man of the Match award when he last played at Old Trafford in a match that saw Wolves claim their first point following 12 successive losses. Lucas 1:37 Porque para Deus nada é impossível 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/iHn4AHwNG0 — João Gomes (@GomesOficial08) December 31, 2025He has accumulated 108 appearances in the Premier League, 92 of which have come from the off, and is as dependable as you’d want any prospective signing to be on the injury/availability front.Read more: Luckhurst bombshell – Senior Man Utd man ‘could still leave’ this month, crunch talks now scheduled with Carrick