Wolverhampton Wanderers are 'confident' they will lure Flamengo star Joao Gomes to Molineux, transfer insider Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport.

Julen Lopetegui is on the verge of bolstering his defensive options after a £3.3million deal has been agreed with West Ham United for Craig Dawson, but the Wolves head coach is still looking to bring in further reinforcements ahead of the January deadline.

GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones

Wolves transfer news - Joao Gomes

South American football expert Tim Vickery, speaking on Sky Sports, has revealed that Gomes is keen to complete a move to Wolves instead of joining Lyon.

Vickery suggests the Brazilian is eager to head to the Premier League rather than linking up with the Ligue 1 giants.

It comes after Lyon made a late bid as they looked to hijack Wolves' move for Gomes, although Wanderers have remained in talks over a switch.

A move to Molineux could now be on the cards as Flamengo have accepted a £15million bid for the central midfielder.

But Wolves' transfer business may not stop there as talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook recently told GiveMeSport that Lopetegui is looking to bolster his squad with up to six fresh faces ahead of the deadline.

What has Dean Jones said about Gomes?

Jones believes Wolves remain confident that they will win the race for Gomes' signature despite Lyon attempting to gain the upper-hand.

The respected journalist feels the next 24 hours could be crucial as the West Midlands outfit also look to get a deal for Dawson over the line.

Jones told GiveMeSport: "I think they are still quite confident because they've done their groundwork on it.

"I think they've put themselves in a reasonable position, so we'll have to wait and see how the next 24 hours or so goes and whether they decide to search elsewhere."

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

Would Gomes be a good signing for Wolves?

Gomes has already racked up 117 Flamengo appearances, according to Transfermarkt, despite still being in the early stages of his career.

The 21-year-old has also got his hands on numerous pieces of silverware, including the Brazilian title twice and the Copa Libertadores, so it is clear he would bring a winning mentality to a Wolves side fighting for their Premier League future.

Gomes would also make Wanderers more difficult for opponents to break down as Sofascore statistics show he averaged 3.2 tackles, 0.9 interceptions and as many clearances per outing in his homeland's top flight last season.

There is uncertainty over Joao Moutinho's long-term future as his contract is due to expire in the summer, while Matheus Nunes is a target for Liverpool.

With that being the case, Lopetegui needs to bring in a new central midfield option and Gomes could be the perfect acquisition.

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