Manchester United are preparing for a summer overhaul with midfield a priority position and several targets including Wolves’ Joao Gomes under consideration
Kieran Horn Digital Sports Journalist
12:12, 16 Jan 2026Updated 12:38, 16 Jan 2026
Elliot Anderson and Murillo are both being linked with Manchester United(Image: (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images))
Manchester United are gearing up for a significant summer revamp across several areas. Despite the January transfer window being open, it seems the focus is on getting ready for the 2026/27 season with a number of new signings and a fresh face at the helm.
Interim head coach Michael Carrick is poised to oversee his first match this weekend, and it’s a big one as Manchester City visit Old Trafford. Although United haven’t made any new additions this month, the return of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad from their AFCON duties could feel like new signings.
With United already well-equipped in the attacking department, the main recruitment focus is midfield. Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba are the key names strongly linked, with Angelo Stiller, Morten Hjulmand and Joao Gomes among the potential alternatives under consideration.
Manchester United are interested in signing Elliot Anderson(Image: Getty Images)
Gomes is expected to leave Wolves at the end of the season, following their likely relegation, with a European club showing strong interest. Bolstering the defence may also become a priority with Anderson’s Forest teammate Murillo is now being considered.
With all this in mind, Daily Star Sport has delved into the latest United transfer rumours and offered a fresh take on the updates.
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Joao Gomes incentive
Brazilian outlet Globo reports that Napoli have expressed interest in Joao Gomes, hoping to secure his services for the upcoming season. Wolves are reportedly holding out for a £43million (€50m) fee.
However, the report suggests that Gomes is keen to stay in England, which could give United an advantage if they decide to chase his signature. Ruben Amorim was thought to be the key figure pushing for the deal, but with his departure from the club, it’s uncertain whether United will maintain their interest.
(Image: Getty Images)
Atletico Madrid have also been linked with the 24-year-old despite his challenging season at Molineux.
Star Sport says: Gomes would be a decent addition to United’s midfield, but he is likely quite far down on their shortlist.
Historic interest in Carlos Baleba and the undeniable talent of both Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson makes them more enticing options, but with that comes a bigger financial demand. The main priority for United is midfield, with that likely to be where the majority of the budget goes.
Even if United sign either Wharton or Anderson, Gomes could still yet join given the lack of depth in United’s midfield and because of the different traits they would bring to United’s midfield.
Double Forest swoop eyed
United might be secretly hoping for Nottingham Forest’s relegation to aid their potential double signing of long-term target Anderson and Murillo. According to The Daily Mail, Brazilian centre-back Murillo is being considered by the Old Trafford outfit.
The report suggests that Murillo is open to leaving the City Ground, with United looking for replacements for Harry Maguire. If both players were signed, it would likely cost United over £150million, as a hefty fee is expected for Anderson and Forest are hoping to fetch at least £70million for Murillo.
Star Sport says: United’s business ahead of the 2026/27 season is expected to hinge on a number of factors with league position likely to play a huge role.
Having European football again would make a move much more intriguing for most, if not all, targets, while Forest going down to the Championship would make exits for Anderson and Murillo much more likely.
There is also likely to be an existing relationship between those two players which could certainly help when it comes to settling in and playing together. It would be a pricey double signing for United but one that would arguably instantly improve their squad.