'Very positive' - Manchester United have already discussed personal terms with 'top' Newcastle United target

Matheus Cunha only signed a new contract at Wolverhampton Wanderers in February but is expected to move on this summer as several clubs consider activating his £62.5million release clause.

Newcastle are among the teams to have held a long-term interest. The Daily Mail even reported earlier this month that Eddie Howe’s side are ready to make Cunha their “top target” with his ability to play in multiple attacking positions a big attraction.

Cunha, an international teammate of Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes, boasts a credible goal record of 32 goals in 87 appearances since joining from Wolves from Atletico Madrid in January 2023.

Fabrizio Romano provides update on Newcastle United transfer target Matheus Cunha

But according to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle and other interested clubs face missing out on the Brazilian as Manchester United press ahead with negotiations to sign him. The Italian says personal terms are already being discussed and that a meeting between Cunha’s representatives and the Red Devils were “very positive”.

As a result, Man United believe they are leading the race for the 25-year-old.

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“Manchester United are leading the race to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves as negotiations are ongoing,” Romano wrote on X. “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.

A few hours later, Romano 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, as reported yesterday.”

Matheus Cunha makes his feelings clear

The Brazil international hasn’t hidden his desire to ‘take the next step’ in his career. Newcastle would likely have to qualify for the Champions League to be in with a shout of signing Cunha, while Man United haven’t given up hope of returning to Europe’s top table either.

While Ruben Amorim’s men sit in the bottom half of the Premier League table, winning the Europa League would seal a place in next season’s Champions League. They face La Liga side Athletic Bilbao over two legs next month.

Speaking to the Guardian previously about his future, Cunha said: “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.”

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