Manchester United lining up deal for long-time Liverpool target

With less than two weeks remaining in the January transfer window, Liverpool are yet to turn to the market in 2026.

The Reds undertook a massive overhaul of their squad last summer, spending over £400 million in an attempt to strengthen a title winning team.

For several reasons, some out of the control of the club, the current season has not gone to plan for Arne Slot.

Liverpool’s title defence is already over, and many supporters believed the January window represented a good opportunity to get the team back on track, but that doesn’t look likely now.

Having already missed out on Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi, the Reds could be about to lose another long-time target to a Manchester club.

Man United chasing long-time Liverpool target

Although the summer was a busy one at Anfield, there were of course a few targets who didn’t get their Merseyside move.

One such player is Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes, who has been on the Reds’ radar for a while now.

The Brazilian signed a new deal last season, but Wolves awful form this campaign could see him make an early exit from Molineux.

Despite the recent developments, a report from CaughtOffside is now suggesting that Manchester United could be the team set to capitalise as Liverpool have cooled their interest in the 24-year-old.

Is Joao Gomes Man United bound?

According to the report, The Red Devils are just one of a number of teams interested in the Brazilian, with Crystal Palace, Napoli and Atletico Madrid also keen.

United see Gomes as the ideal profile to add coverage to their midfield in a post-Casemrio setup.

Competition for the midfielder’s signature will be tough, and this could be one of the reasons Liverpool are reluctant to act on their long-standing interest, despite a lack of midfield recruitment in recent windows.

The defence is probably the biggest priority for the Reds this winter, although Alexander Isak’s broken leg could also see a forward brought in.

If Gomes is still available in the summer, Liverpool may well reassess the situation but, as things stand, it looks like the Reds are set to miss out yet again.

🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas home range

👉🏻 Liverpool get GREEN light to sign Nico Schlotterbeck

👉🏻 Centre-back confirms he's ready to join Liverpool

👉🏻 Fabrizio Romano CONFIRMS belief £52m Liverpool target will agree move