‘He needs to’ - Wolves give honest Matheus Cunha update amid £62.5m Newcastle United transfer links

A four-game ban for lashing out at Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez came to an end yesterday, with Cunha coming off the bench to score in a 4-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur. His strike put to bed any hopes of a Spurs fightback after Richarlison halved the deficit on 85 minutes.

However, in the build-up to the game, fiery character Cunha created headlines by dropping a hint about his future. The 25-year-old posted on social media: “(It’s) time to be happy. I will follow my dreams, not yours… so stay cool.”

This brazen message was swiftly deleted and fuelled further speculation about Cunha’s future. The Daily Mail reported last week that Newcastle are keeping tabs on the situation.

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Cunha has a £62.5million release clause and any pursuit would likely hinge on Champions League qualification. Some fans have raised concerns about where the versatile forward - who can also play in midfield - could fit into Eddie Howe’s system.

His reckless antics have also raised concerns but there is no denying Cunha’s quality. Wolves boss Pereira urged fans to stick by the Brazil international until the end of the season.

“I didn’t speak (to him about the social media post),” he said after putting Tottenham to the sword. “I cannot speak with everybody. Cunha is a fantastic player and proved it today.

”He came on the pitch and helped the team. He proved that he is committed to this team and his teammates. Cunha is a special player but, like everybody, like me, he needs the energy of love.

”He needs to feel that he’s important to the people who recognise his work. I feel, honestly, that he went on the pitch not thinking about himself, but to think about the team. He’s part of our family. I understand the supporters. But together we will be stronger if we are connected.”

Matheus Cunha opened up about offers and long-term future at Wolves

Cunha previously opened up about his long-term future before his recent social media tirade. A former RB Leipzig and Atletico Madrid star, the Wolves talisman claimed he rejected offers in January due to the club’s relegation situation.

"I had a lot of offers but I wouldn’t feel well if I had done it," he 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."

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