Liverpool won't back down despite long-term £40m target signing new contract

Liverpool chased Martin Zubimendi last summer but had no luck in convincing the Spaniard to swap Real Sociedad for Anfield.

Although the Spain international’s arrival appears a remote possibility at this stage, the Reds have not given up hope of landing a central midfielder this summer.

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A lot has been asked of Ryan Gravenberch at No6 while Arne Slot does not seem to trust Wataru Endo or Tyler Morton with the responsibility to start Premier League games. In fact both could be sold in summer if the right bid materialises.

And Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes could then opt to bolster the midfield area this summer.

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One player who has been associated with a move to Merseyside plenty of times in the past is 24-year-old Wolves star Joao Gomes.

Earlier this week he extended his contract at Molineux to 2030. His previous deal was due to expire in 2028 - with an option for one more year - and Wolves have at least secured themselves a bigger transfer fee in the event of his sale.

Liverpool want Joao Gomes

Caught Offside is reporting that Liverpool haven’t been turned off the idea of signing the 10-cap Brazil international and could test Wolves’ resolve with a £40 million bid this summer.

“Liverpool are understood to be eyeing up a potential transfer move for Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes this summer,” a report says.

“The Reds are one of a number of top clubs keeping a close eye on Gomes’ situation, even though he’s just signed a new contract with Wolves.

READ MORE: Richard Hughes ready to strike €40m deal to replace Diogo Jota at Liverpool

“Liverpool feel it could be worth testing the waters with an offer in the region of £40m for Gomes as they look to strengthen in midfield this summer.”

And a move for Gomes would definitely make sense.

Gomes declares: I'd play for Liverpool

The former Flamengo star is open to the idea of a transfer to the club, declaring to ESPN Brasil back in 2022 that he would consider playing for the Reds.

"Liverpool are a team I’d play for," he said. "Playing in the Champions League is my biggest dream and that of my family, my biggest dream in football."

Gomes was a serial winner during his time with Flamengo, crowing his time at the club with a Copa Libertadores victory in 2022 before moving to Wolves.

READ MORE: Star confirms Liverpool decision with new 5-year contract

The Premier League side fought off stiff competition from Lyon to land his signature for around £16m, with Liverpool declining to bid despite reportedly tracking him during his days in Brazil.

Just last week it was reported by a Flamengo-focused site - Gazete do Urubu - that he was “close” to Liverpool.

Flamengo will be due 14 percent of any deal which takes Gomes away from his current club and the report mentioned a potential transfer fee of €60m (£50m).

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That was before his new contract with Wolves but the latest reports suggest Liverpool aren’t backing down.