Liverpool have reportedly initiated contact regarding Joao Gomes as Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the Reds’ owners, look to prevent the Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder from completing a move to Manchester United.

Manchester United have withdrawn from negotiations for Ederson Silva, despite having reached an agreement with his club, Atalanta. The decision was made by the Red Devils’ co-owners, INEOS, following the second stage of the Brazilian international’s medical examination.

Meanwhile, Andrey Santos is expected to finalise his transfer from Chelsea to Manchester United in a deal worth £50 million.

United are still targeting at least one more midfielder and have shown strong interest in signing Joao Gomes from Wolves.

Gomes appears unlikely to remain at Molineux next season, with Wolves set to play in the Championship following their relegation from the Premier League.

Atletico Madrid had previously agreed to a €45 million (£38.3 million) deal with Wolves for Gomes, but according to Brazilian outlet Globo, the Spanish club has decided not to pursue the transfer.

The report adds that Atletico are frustrated with super agent Jorge Mendes after he facilitated Bernardo Silva’s move to Real Madrid. Atletico had been hoping to sign the Portuguese star as a free agent following his departure from Manchester City at the end of last season.

Following their decision to pass on Ederson, Manchester United have turned their attention to Gomes, but they face competition from Liverpool, Globo reports.

The headline of Globo’s story reads: “Manchester United give up on Ederson and signal interest in Joao Gomes; Liverpool also make contact.”

The same report confirms that both clubs have “made contact after the deal between Atletico de Madrid and Joao Gomes fell through.”

Globo further explains: “Both Liverpool and Manchester United contacted Wolverhampton to inquire about pricing and potential deal structures. Atlético Madrid had agreed to buy him for 45 million euros.”

TEAMtalk has also corroborated Manchester United’s renewed interest in Gomes, reporting that the club has made “fresh contact” regarding a transfer for the Brazilian midfielder.

The outlet adds: “The Brazilian has long been on United’s radar and was previously high on the club’s shortlist before he joined Wolves. Gomes had been expected to sign with Atletico Madrid this summer, but we understand that negotiations collapsed at a late stage. That development has prompted United to reconsider his situation.”

While Liverpool will be cautious of United’s pursuit of Gomes, FSG will take encouragement from the midfielder’s earlier comments expressing admiration for the Merseyside club.

Back in 2022, when Gomes was still playing for Flamengo, he publicly stated his affection for Liverpool. When asked whether he would like to play for Liverpool or another Premier League club, Gomes replied: “Liverpool is a team I would play for. I have a great desire to play there.”