'Personal terms' - Fabrizio Romano provides Man Utd transfer twist as Newcastle United eye £62.5m move

The Brazilian has a £62.5million release clause in his new contract signed at Wolves back in January, alerting several Premier League clubs to his availability. Cunha has scored 16 goals in 31 appearances in a struggling Wolves side this season.

As reported by The Gazette in January, Newcastle are interested in signing Bruno Guimaraes’ and Joelinton’s international team-mate with his versatility to play in multiple positions across the midfield and forward line making him an attractive option.

After successfully navigating Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules last summer, Newcastle have limited spending while also selling Miguel Almiron to Atlanta United for £10million and putting a deal in place that will see Lloyd Kelly join Juventus this summer for around £20million. Funds will be made available for Newcastle to spend in anticipation of a return to European football.

The Magpies are looking to qualify for the Champions League as the currently sit fourth in the table with five games left to play. Qualifying for the Champions League will provide a significant financial boost that will allow the club to pursue top targets such as Cunha.

Fabrizio Romano provides Matheus Cunha transfer update

Although Newcastle have made Cunha a top target, it is Manchester United who are leading the race to sign Cunha from Wolves, with personal terms already under discussion.

That’s according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who tweeted: “Manchester United are leading the race to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves as negotiations are ongoing.

“Personal terms are being discussed, as Man Utd are aware of more clubs keen + £62.5m release clause available. Good feelings after initial contacts between Cunha and #MUFC.”

Romano later added: “More on Matheus Cunha and Man United. The feeling between player side and club side on new meeting was very positive, after project explained and terms discussed. More meetings will be needed but Man United feel they’re leading the race for Cunha.”

Manchester United still have a chance of qualifying for next season’s Champions League having reached the Europa League semi-final. While The Red Devils sit in the bottom half of the Premier League, winning the Europa League would be enough to secure Champions League qualification for next season’s competition.

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Matheus Cunha’s Wolves transfer admission

Speaking to the Guardian previously, Cunha admitted that he wants to ‘take the next step’ after rejecting moves away from the club in January to help Wolves in their battle to beat the drop: “I had a lot of offers but I wouldn’t feel well if I had done it,” Cunha said.

“Some things you can’t control but I couldn’t leave the club in the middle of the season, in a difficult situation, in the relegation zone.

“Now, we’re close to achieving our goal [of staying up]. But I’ve made it clear that I need to take the next step. I want to fight for titles, for big things. I have potential.”

On Wolves, a club he has spent two years at following a £44million move from Atletico Madrid, Cunha added: “Sometimes all we want in life is affection. People think we have everything, but we’re human beings, too.

“The fans [have given] me a lot. The status I have today, the player I am now and the happiness I’m feeling, it’s because of them. I’m really grateful to Wolves.”

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