Man United 'line up move for £40m-rated midfield star to replace Casemiro'

Manchester United are reportedly lining up a move for Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes in the summer transfer window.

Gomes, 23, joined Wolves from Flamengo for £12m in January 2023 and has since caught the eye of a number of Premier League clubs. He could make his debut for Brazil when they take on England in a friendly at Wembley on Saturday.

United are thought to be looking at replacing 31-year-old Casemiro, who has struggled this season after a superb first campaign in England.

And The Mirror reports the club have identified Gomes as a successor to his Brazilian counterpart.

The report claims United have sent scouts to watch Gomes in action this season. He has made 28 Premier League appearances for Wolves so far this campaign, scoring two goals and making one assist.

Tottenham and Newcastle are also reportedly monitoring the midfielder, who is third in the Premier League list of tackles made this season with 83.

Gomes is a combative midfielder of a similar mould to Casemiro, who has been the subject of interest from Saudi Arabian clubs.

Casemiro has endured a difficult second season in England, which has been blighted by injuries.

The former Real Madrid star signed for United for £70m in August 2022 and is believed to earn £350,000-a-week, with his salary among the concerns raised by Sir Jim Ratcliffe after he took a minority stake in the club.

Ratcliffe has also warned the days of United spending big on players is over. 'The solution isn't spending a lot of money on a couple of great players,' the INEOS chief told the Geraint Thomas Cycling Club podcast this week.

'They've done that over the last 10 years.'

Casemiro has featured in 21 games for United this season, scoring five times and recording two assists.

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