Liverpool make contact with Wolves over £38m midfielder Joao Gomes as Gakpo stays put

Liverpool have opened talks with Wolves over a deal for midfielder Joao Gomes, according to Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte, with the 25-year-old valued at around £38m as Andoni Iraola looks to strengthen his squad ahead of his first full season in charge at Anfield.

Gomes had been on the radar of Atletico Madrid, but a reported falling-out with agent Jorge Mendes over the brokering of that deal brought negotiations to a halt — potentially clearing the path for Liverpool to move. The 10-cap Brazil international spent several seasons at Molineux and built a strong reputation in the Premier League despite Wolves’ relegation from the top flight.

Manchester United have also been linked with Gomes, with Globo Esporte reporting both clubs have sounded Wolves out over the cost of a transfer. United are close to signing Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos, though their separate pursuit of Atalanta’s Ederson is reportedly on the verge of collapse due to concerns raised in his medical, which may leave them in need of an alternative.

At Liverpool, the midfield picture could shift considerably depending on outgoings. Alexis Mac Allister has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, while Curtis Jones is said to be exploring a potential exit. Should either or both depart, Gomes would represent a ready-made replacement with proven Premier League experience.

Iraola’s summer has already seen two signings completed. Defender Jeremy Jacquet arrived in a pre-agreed £60m deal, and was followed by winger Victor Munoz from Osasuna for £34.5m — a move widely described as a surprise. The club are expected to continue adding to the squad as the new manager seeks to shape the team in his own image.

On the outgoings front, Liverpool are standing firm over Cody Gakpo. Fabrizio Romano has reported that the club are “not opening the doors” to a sale of the Dutch forward this summer, despite reported interest from Tottenham, who have identified Gakpo as a priority target for the wide positions.