Newcastle United have reportedly identified Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Matheus Cunha as a priority in their summer transfer plans.
According to an exclusive by the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, the Magpies are strong admirers of the Brazilian and are preparing to make their move at the end of the season.
Wolves are said to value their talisman at £62.5m, with many potential suitors having been identified in recent months.
Why is Cunha catching the eye?
Cunha has been the spearhead in a Wolves side that has largely struggled this season. The 25-year-old has scored 13 Premier League goals this campaign, an impressive haul for a side stranded in 17th place in the table.
The Brazilian’s goals have been the primary factor in Wanderers having established a buffer between themselves and the relegation zone. Without them, their situation could have been even more perilous.
It is not just his sharp shooting that has raised his stock; there is much more to his considerable repertoire. When in full flight, there are few players as powerful and direct in their dribbling as Cunha.
His versatility is said to have particularly piqued the interest of Eddie Howe and his staff. Cunha would slip seamlessly into Newcastle’s preferred formations, and has the ability to perform various roles in the side.
His Premier League performances have also seen him become a regular in his national team, capped 13 times by the South American giants.
It is no surprise to see the West Midlands outfit slapping such a weighty price tag on their top scorer. His importance to the side cannot be understated, and now Premier League safety looks assured, they can begin to finalise their summer plans.
Newcastle to add to their popular Brazilian contingent?
The Newcastle United fans already idolise their charismatic Brazilian pair of Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton. Yet the Magpies might soon make their duo of Brazil national teammates into a trio.
Cunha linked up with the Newcastle pair in the most recent international break, just a few days after they had won Newcastle’s first major trophy since 1969. He will have witnessed first hand, just how momentous an event it was on Tyneside.
Joelinton’s stint at St James’ Park has been particularly fascinating, and has materialised into the quintessential story of redemption.
Signed as a centre forward for a club record fee, he failed to hit the ground running and was seen as a failure. Now, he is a combative and robust midfielder, and one of the most popular players in Newcastle’s history making current squad.
It’s certainly an exciting time to be linked with Newcastle, and having been at close quarters with two adopted Geordies recently, the allure may prove tempting for Cunha.
Is St James’ Park the change of scene Cunha needs?
For the past couple of seasons, Wolves have been largely dependent on individual moments of brilliance from Cunha. However, in recent weeks, they have pulled together without him, to surely preserve their top flight status.
Their recent performances have provided a snapshot into life beyond Matheus Cunha for Wolves. After a couple of high-profile disciplinary incidents and subsequent suspensions, he has been unavailable to Vitor Pereira, amidst rumours of his Molineux exit.
A move to the North East could well provide Cunha with a fresh start, as well as the potential added bonus of European football. As his compatriots Joelinton and Bruno have proven, Newcastle is a place where you can flourish while being worshipped by a football-obsessed fan base.