Price slashed - Newcastle United target £30m wonderkid as Ross Wilson rebuild takes shape
Wolverhampton Wanderers hope to keep prized asset Matheus Mane amid interest from Newcastle United.
Newcastle United are one of several top clubs chasing Wolverhampton Wanderers prodigy Matheus Mane.
Despite finishing rock bottom of the Premier League, the 18-year-old was a rare highlight in an otherwise dismal campaign at Molineux. Mane scored three goals and registered three assists in 30 games across all competitions last season.
He is a versatile forward, capable of playing as a striker, No,10 or out wide. Given his age, he would very much be considered a future prospect at St James' Park.
Newcastle United interest
According to the Express & Star, Newcastle are interested in Mane following Wolves’ relegation. The Wanderers - who are keen to keep him - previously slapped a £50million price tag on their prized asset.
However, dropping down to the Championship has reduced that price tag drastically. It is now claimed that Wolves could accept around £30million for a youngster who has represented England and Portugal at youth level.
Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt are also named as potential suitors. Both clubs have a track record in Germany of developing youth talent.
Chaos at Wolves
A hectic situation at Wolves has also cast further doubt on Mane’s future. Rob Edwards was fully expected to stay on as manager and lead the promotion charge.
He told reporters last month that Mane would stay in the Midlands amid a wave of speculation. But the Molineux hierarchy brutally axed Edwards on Thursday - throwing their summer into turmoil.
Kieran Trippier, for example, considered reneging on his deal to join Wolves on July 1. It is unclear what the appointment of Cesar Peixoto will mean for Mane as he prepares for the upcoming campaign.
Matheus Mane wary of impact
Speaking in February, Mane recognised his impact at Wolves as he set out ambitions - which ultimately failed - to keep the club in the league. He said: “I’ve noticed that I’m helping the team. We’re getting more goals and more points.
“We’re going to fight until the end and I feel like we can still turn it around. There’s always a chance that anything can happen and we’re going to give it our best in every training session and take it into the games and just keep going.”