Man Utd news: Fresh blow over £39m transfer target as cut-price option emerges

Manchester United will be back in the Champions League next season and that could help them land a transfer target or two

After wrapping up Champions League qualification with time to spare, Manchester United need to get things right in the summer transfer window. At least one new central midfielder is a priority and there is mixed news on a couple of potential targets.

With Casemiro leaving, a new face is required to complement Kobbie Mainoo and newly crowned FWA player of the season Bruno Fernandes. United will have at least eight European games alongside their domestic responsibilities so may well add more than one player in the middle of the park.

Plenty of former targets have seen their names linked with United once more, though England international Elliot Anderson may end up being out of their price range. Others, such as Wolves' Joao Gomes, are at risk of moving elsewhere.

We've got the latest on Gomes, who looks certain to leave Molineux this summer, as well as a newer name to be linked with the Red Devils. Here are our latest lines from around Old Trafford.

Atleti leading Gomes race

Atletico Madrid have a verbal agreement over Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes, according to ESPN. The Brazil midfielder is expected to move for around £39m, with United among the other clubs linked.

Gomes has impressed despite Wolves' domestic struggles. He and compatriot Andre are likely to be among the more in-demand players following Rob Edwards' side's relegation, with Juventus reported to be keen on the latter.

Atleti have reportedly turned their attentions to the former Flamengo star after being put off by Atalanta's asking price for fellow target Ederson. Three-cap Brazil international Ederson has also been linked with United in past windows but it remains to be seen whether they renew their interest.

Affengruber targeted

If United decide to strengthen at centre-back this summer, David Affengruber could be the answer. Sky Sport Deutschland names the Manchester side as one of several clubs to have scouted the 25-year-old, along with Juventus, AC Milan, Atletico Madrid and Sevilla.

Affengruber, who played with Rasmus Hojlund at Sturm Graz, won his first senior Austria cap this year and could be available for as little as £17m. He has been one of Elche's bright sparks in La Liga this season but is reportedly ready for another move as he approaches the final year of his contract.

The defender scored in a recent 3-2 win over Atleti which gave Elche a fighting shot at survival. However, he is expected to be available for the right price regardless of whether his team stays up.

Whether or not United strengthen at centre-back could depend on what happens with Matthijs de Ligt. The Dutch defender has played just 14 times this term and a decision will need to be made on whether to cash in on the 26-year-old.