Man United and Newcastle locked in €45m tussle for Wolves' Joao Gomes

Manchester United are facing stiff competition from Newcastle United for the signing of Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Gomes, with both Premier League clubs eyeing a €45 million (£38.3m) deal. According to The i Paper, the Magpies have emerged as firm admirers of the Brazilian, who was close to joining Atletico Madrid over the summer. United had been weighing up a move for Gomes after pulling out of a separate deal to sign Atalanta's Ederson, as reported by O Globo last week. But Newcastle's interest has now intensified as they look to strengthen their midfield ahead of the 2026/27 season. The Toon appeared to miss out on SC Freiburg star Johan Manzambi, who has chosen to join Aston Villa after insider sources revealed on Monday that the 20-year-old had agreed terms with Unai Emery's side. Newcastle had previously agreed a fee with Freiburg but lacked a personal agreement with the player, leaving them vulnerable to a hijack. Newcastle are also monitoring Danilo Santos, Gomes' Brazil compatriot, according to The i Paper. Toon sporting director Ross Wilson knows the Santos midfielder well from their time together at Nottingham Forest. Meanwhile, Manchester United have already secured one midfield signing, announcing the arrival of Andrey Santos from Chelsea for a reported €58 million (£50m) on Monday. The 22-year-old's move was confirmed via the club's social media channels. United are also set to trigger a €41 million (£35m) release clause to sign Aston Villa's Youri Tielemans, according to insider sources. The Belgium captain has spent seven-and-a-half seasons in England, first with Leicester City — where he scored the FA Cup final winner against Chelsea in 2021 — and then at Villa, where he has netted 10 goals in 134 appearances and helped win the Europa League, scoring in the final against Freiburg. However, the Red Devils' pursuit of Ederson has hit a snag. Reports on Monday indicated the deal for the 27-year-old Atalanta midfielder is off after an issue was flagged during his medical.