Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly in negotiations for Flamengo midfielder Joao Gomes and the Brazilian youngster could be a superb addition to Julen Lopetegui's midfield.

What's the word?

According to Express and Star journalist Liam Keen, Wolves are "in talks" with Flamengo for the 21-year-old, with "negotiations ongoing" ahead of a potential move to Molineux.

Lopetegui is clearly keen to recruit a new midfielder in this month's transfer window, especially after Boubacar Traore was ruled out recently through injury, leaving just Joao Moutinho, Ruben Neves, and Matheus Nunes as the senior options in Wolves' midfield.

Despite his age, Gomes has been a mainstay in Flamengo's side in recent seasons, making 117 appearances in all competitions, contributing three goals and three assists, featuring mainly as either a central or defensive midfielder.

He could be huge for Lopetegui

Given Wolves' need for a midfielder this month, signing a promising, first-team-ready youngster such as Gomes could be huge for Lopetegui's chances of keeping the Old Gold in the Premier League.

Moutinho is 36 and will likely leave when his contract expires in the summer, while Neves is also continuing to be linked with a Molineux exit, so it seems clear that Wolves need long-term replacements in the middle of the park.

Gomes certainly looks to have a lot of potential and could have a big impact in Lopetegui's side if he can provide the energy and tenacity that Neves and Moutinho arguably lack, with FBref ranking the two Portuguese maestros in the 14th-worst and second-worst percentage for being dribbled past.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig was full of praise for the young Brazilian on Twitter after he broke into the first team in 2021.

He said:

"João Gomes is such a unique player. Fantastic mix of midfield destroyer, deep-lying playmaker and box-to-box midfielder. Tireless runner, amazing work rate and tenacity mixed with really good technique and playmaking skills. He always gives 100% on the pitch. Warrior."

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This level of effort and application are exactly the sort of qualities needed in a relegation battle, while the fact that the Brazilian is ranked in the top percentage for tacklers also suggests that he could add defensive steel to Wolves' midfield that was lacking under Bruno Lage.

Therefore, the Old Gold should do all they can to ensure that they win the race for Gomes this month.