Manchester United have turned their attention to Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Gomes after walking away from a deal to sign Ederson.
The Red Devils had a verbal agreement in place to bring Ederson from Atalanta to Old Trafford, but pulled the plug after concerns arose over a knee injury he suffered last season.
According to Globo Esporte, United are now weighing up a move for Gomes as they search for alternatives in the transfer market this summer.
Gomes recently saw a potential switch to Atletico Madrid collapse due to the involvement of super-agent Jorge Mendes, who represented both him and Bernardo Silva.
Mendes had agreed to take both players to the La Liga giants, but ultimately negotiated Bernardo Silva’s free transfer to Real Madrid instead, leaving Atletico unhappy.
Despite Atletico and Wolves reportedly agreeing on a package worth £38 million for the Brazil international, the Spanish club walked away from the deal entirely.
Manchester United have now made fresh contact with those representing Gomes, with Liverpool also said to be keen on signing the 25-year-old midfielder.
Gomes was a standout performer for Wolves last season despite the club’s relegation from the Premier League, winning almost seven duels per game with six recoveries and three tackles per appearance.
He also recorded a passing accuracy of 86 percent, an impressive figure for a player operating in a side that commanded the least possession in the entire division.
The Brazilian would provide strong competition to incoming signing Andrey Santos for the number six role, bringing proven Premier League experience to the position alongside Kobbie Mainoo.
United have been credited with interest in Gomes over the past year, though no formal approach has previously materialised, leaving questions over whether this move is genuine or agent-driven.
The Red Devils have a solid working relationship with Mendes, having recently attempted to sign his client Mateus Fernandes before he completed a move to Tottenham Hotspur.
Mendes is understood to be assisting Gomes’ representatives and may have presented United with the opportunity to bring the Wolves man back to the top flight.