Wolves are highly likely to lose Matheus Cunha this summer, and Manchester United are seemingly in pole position to land the star.
Matheus Cunha signed a new contract earlier this year, and the fresh terms saw a £62.5 million release clause inserted into the deal.
Some felt that was too low. But perhaps it was the only way that Cunha would stay until the end of the season.
The expectation is that Cunha will leave for that figure in the next transfer window.
Manchester United have been in talks with Cunha about a move, and speculation has suggested Old Trafford is now his most likely next destination.
That is despite Saudi clubs now being willing to trigger Cunha’s release clause.
One man with a vested interest in Cunha’s potential move to United is pundit Gary Neville, who spoke about the Brazilian last night on Sky Sports.
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Gary Neville gives Matheus Cunha verdict as Manchester United eye transfer
United have had another poor season, and are desperate to improve their squad this summer.
Cunha is seen as an ideal signing, given his ability to score goals and his familiarity with the 3-4-3 system.
Last night on Sky Sports, ahead of Manchester City’s game with Aston Villa, United legend Gary Neville dropped his verdict on Cunha.
He said: “You need players who can take risks. Good in the final third, and Cunha’s got a lot of ability.”
When asked if he had any concerns about Cunha’s character, after some flashpoints this season, Neville replied: “No. To be honest with you I quite like (that)…
“If I was playing against him I wouldn’t like a player with a bit of spirit and a bit of fight. I used to play with some unbelievable players, some of the very best in the world at their time, and they had the right sort of – attitude is not the right word – but the right spike to them.
“Think about Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez, Eric Cantona, Mark Hughes, how tough and spirited they were in games. Sometimes they did the unpredictable and lost their discipline, but they were amazing players.”
Wolves open to lower initial payment on Cunha release clause
At the moment it seems United are the frontrunners for Cunha’s signature.
As part of the update last night on Sky Sports, reporter Kaveh Solhekol said he’d been informed that Cunha ‘loves’ United, and sees the club as one of the biggest in the world.
Molineux News has been told that Wolves would be open to accepting a lower initial payment from United for Cunha. But Wanderers will insist on all of release clause being paid over time.
This will perhaps make it easier for United to sign the player amid their financial issues.
In an ideal world, Wolves would bring in the full £62.5 million straight away from a buying club. But this may not be possible if United are his top choice.