Liverpool and United Lock Horns Over Gomes as Wolves Midfielder's Price Takes a Tumble

Liverpool are on the hunt for midfield reinforcements this summer, and they've identified Wolves' Joao Gomes as their blueprint signing for the engine room. The 116 Premier League appearances under his belt have caught the Reds' eye, but there's another reason to sharpen their pencils: his asking price has just come down considerably.

The Portuguese midfielder was locked in an agreed £38million transfer to Atletico Madrid, only for those negotiations to collapse. That failed move has now opened the door to a more tempting proposition, with Gomes now available for £30million.

The twist? Manchester United have already made their move. The Red Devils got wind of the Atletico deal falling apart and wasted little time in contacting the midfielder's representatives. While Gomes is keen to remain in English football and holds no particular preference between Liverpool and United, it's the Old Trafford side who have gained the upper hand in preliminary talks.

United have already bolstered their midfield this summer with the signing of Andrey Santos and have agreed a £35million deal for Aston Villa's Youri Tielemans. However, they're hungry for a third addition to the middle of the park. Their initial target, Atalanta's Ederson, came and went—the Brazilian even travelled to England for a medical before United pulled the plug, redirecting the funds towards Tielemans instead.

At £30million, Gomes represents an entirely achievable third option, and United's financial muscle means they can comfortably fund another midfield arrival. Whether they'll get their man, or whether Liverpool can yet muscle in on the deal, remains very much up in the air.