Man Utd transfer news: Spurs throw spanner in midfield plans as £30m bid made for target - The Mirror

Manchester United have been linked with a number of transfer targets, both now and for the coming summer, but the Premier League side might not have it all their own way

As we approach the halfway point of the January transfer window, Manchester United have yet to add any new players to their squad. There has been a change in the dugout, though, with Ruben Amorim sacked and Michael Carrick taking interim charge until the end of the season.

The deal for former United midfielder Carrick was confirmed on Tuesday and he will be thrown straight in at the deep end. United play host to Manchester City on Saturday lunchtime, looking to gain revenge for their 3-0 defeat at the Etihad Stadium back in September.

It remains to be seen whether there will be a great deal of transfer activity without a permanent manager in place. United signed Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven during the winter window last season but may end up waiting until the summer this time.

One thing which might change that, however, is the prospect of other clubs rivalling them for players who they have had their eye on for some time. That's the focus today as Mirror Football brings you the latest lines from around Old Trafford.

Gomes battle takes twist

Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes is one of the Premier League stars on United's radar as they aim to plug gaps in their midfield. The Premier League side already knew Napoli could rival them for the Brazil international, but a new name has now entered the fray.

That's Atletico Madrid. The Spanish side have money to spend after selling Conor Gallagher to Tottenham for a reported £35million, and Sky Sports News reports that they're after a more defensive player after cashing in on the Englishman.

Gomes, who joined Wolves from Flamengo in 2023, appears to fit the bill. However, Wolves are said to be keen to hang onto the midfielder - who they value at north of £40m - until the end of the season.

The 24-year-old was eased into the team after joining under Julen Lopetegui in January 2023 but has been a fixture in the side since the Spanish manager's departure. He has missed just seven Premier League matches across the last three seasons, and his suitors haven't been put off by the fact that the team are 14 points from safety.

Juve aim to steal march over Mateta

United have been long-time admirers of Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, but they aren't the only ones. According to Sky Sport Italia, Juventus have made an approach for the French international, which has been rebuffed by Palace.

Those reports in Italy claim Juve offered just over £30m for the striker, who is out of contract at the end of the 2026/27 season. That's some way shy of the £50m asking price reported in 2025, but it has been suggested his contract situation is responsible for the drop.

Mateta, 28, has scored eight goals in 21 Premier League appearances this season after hitting double figures in each of the previous two campaigns. He also has two goals in three senior France caps after making his debut for Les Bleus in October.

Juventus, who were linked with Roma-bound Donyell Malen earlier in the window, are looking for attacking reinforcements after losing Dusan Vlahovic to injury. Serbia striker Vlahovic, who is out of contract in the summer, hasn't played since late November due to an adductor injury.

United, meanwhile, filled their striker vacancy with the £73m arrival of Benjamin Sesko last summer. However, the Slovenian has appeared far from the finished product this season, and with Joshua Zirkzee seemingly bound for an exit this year, Mateta could remain on United's watchlist.

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