Manchester United are prepared to rival Atletico Madrid and Napoli in the race to sign Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes, reports Caught Offside.

Gomes has been heavily linked with a move away from Molineux this month, with Napoli the reported frontrunners to land the Brazilian ball winner.

The Italian side would face competition from La Liga powerhouse Atletico Madrid for the 24-year-old following Conor Gallagher’s sale to Tottenham.

However, Old Trafford has now emerged as a potential destination for the Brazil international.

United keeping tabs on Gomes

United have been tracking Gomes since the summer and view the Wolves star as the ideal successor for Casemiro in the middle of the park.

Casemiro’s current deal expires at the end of the season, but United have the option to extend his contract by a further year.

Brazilian key for Wolves

Wolves would demand a hefty fee for Gomes, which may hinder a January exit from the Midlands outfit.

Gomes has been involved in 21 of Wolves’ 22 league matches this season, starting 19 times, and Rob Edwards’ side would be reluctant to cash in on a key player as they plan a great escape.

Wolves sit bottom of the Premier League and are 14 points off 17th-placed Nottingham Forest.

Midlands side have improved in recent weeks

They have shown greenshoots of recovery, however, having extended their unbeaten league run to four games with a 0-0 draw with Newcastle at the weekend.

In that streak, Wolves claimed their first league win of the season, a 3-0 victory over West Ham, and have held United and Everton to stalemates in that period.

Next up for Wolves, though, is a meeting with title chasing Manchester City, who are hoping to return to winning ways following their 2-0 Manchester Derby loss on Saturday.