Tielemans and Santos deals push Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes to edge of Man United plans

Manchester United’s midfield recruitment drive looks set to leave Joao Gomes without a clear destination this summer, as the club’s concurrent moves for Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos have effectively squeezed the Wolves midfielder out of their plans.

United have been strongly linked with Gomes for some time, and his availability appeared to make a deal increasingly likely this window given the club’s need to reinforce the centre of the park. However, with Santos closing in on a £50m move from Chelsea and Tielemans potentially joining Old Trafford for £35m, the prospect of United also signing Gomes looks remote.

Gomes’ situation has been further complicated by the collapse of a separate move to Atletico Madrid. The La Liga club had been closing in on a deal to sign the Brazilian following Wolves’ relegation from the Premier League, but those negotiations broke down in recent days. Atletico have since shifted their attention to Sporting Lisbon midfielder Morten Hjulmand, leaving Gomes’ future uncertain.

The 23-year-old recently returned to first-team training at Molineux, though it remains unclear whether he will stay at the club or attract interest from elsewhere. Liverpool have been mentioned as a potential suitor, though no concrete move has been reported.

Tielemans’ expected departure from Aston Villa to United could itself open up a separate transfer chain. Villa may now look to recruit a replacement midfielder, with Switzerland international Johan Manzambi of Freiburg emerging as a target — reports suggest a deal worth around £51m is close to completion.

Adding further complexity to United’s midfield picture is the unresolved situation surrounding Atalanta’s Ederson. United had agreed a £35m fee, plus £3.8m in add-ons, with the Serie A club for the Brazilian international earlier this summer, but it is now unclear whether that transfer will proceed.