Newcastle United have joined the race for Wolves forward Matheus Cunha, TEAMtalk understands, as PIF make a decision on the futures of Bruno Guimaraes and Sean Longstaff.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) have grand plans for Newcastle, and it seems that this season it is all coming to fruition. The Magpies ended their 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy when they beat Liverpool in the final of the Carabao Cup. Eddie Howe’s side are also aiming to finish in the Champions League places and are only two points off the fourth spot in the Premier League table.
Newcastle are already planning for the summer ahead, and sources have told TEAMtalk that they are very keen on a deal for Matheus Cunha.
Cunha has been a star for Wolves this season and has been arguably the best player for the Wanderers.
The 25-year-old Brazil international forward – whose “football IQ is absolutely sensational”, according to former Manchester City defender Micah Richards on BBC Match of Day in November 2024 – has scored 13 goals and given four assists in 24 Premier League starts for Wolves this campaign.
We understand that Cunha is set to leave Wolves this summer and will be one of the most wanted players on the market.
Sources have now told TEAMtalk that the attacker is also on the radar of Newcastle, who are evaluating the possibility of a move.
The Magpies are keen to add quality from their midfield to the front, and Cunha has been identified as a player who could come in and be another top-quality option for the Magpies.
However, Newcastle face major competition for the Brazilian gem, as there are clubs in England and Europe who are keen on securing his services.
As TEAMtalk has reported, both Liverpool and Nottingham Forest are keeping tabs on Cunha’s situation and could make a move for him in the summer transfer window.
Forest are especially keen on Cunha, as they are set to have a major summer spending should they secure a place in the Champions League.
Cunha would be seen as a huge coup for Newcastle, who could use his connection with his Brazil international team-mates, Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes, to convince him to switch to St James’ Park.
There is also a firm belief that Guimaraes will not be leaving Newcastle this summer and will stay to help his side push into the Champions League places.
READ MORE ➡️ Newcastle identify FOUR potential replacements for ‘top’ Liverpool target Alexander Isak
Newcastle make Sean Longstaff decision – sources
Not only are Newcastle are looking to make new signings in the summer transfer window, but the Premier League club are also aiming to move on some of their current squad players.
One of the players that Newcastle are ready to offload at the end of the season is Longstaff.
The 27-year-old midfielder has given one assist in 28 competitive matches for Howe’s side so far this season.
Just eight of those appearances have come as starts in the Premier League, and Newcastle are ready to cut ties with Longstaff.
TEAMtalk understands that Manchester United are interested in a summer deal for Longstaff.
While the midfielder’s preference is to stay at Newcastle, the Magpies must sell to make room for incoming players.
Latest Newcastle news: Nunez suggestion, Isak praise
Darwin Nunez has been tipped to join Newcastle this summer if he is to leave Liverpool.
Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore told CaughtOffSide: “Isak would be a massive upgrade on Nunez. His all-round play is what Liverpool need in a striker, and in my opinion, I think it could benefit Newcastle to take Nunez.
“There is certainly a player in there, but he is not someone that can handle player for a club like Liverpool that brings so much scrutiny and pressure. He would be a really good fit at Newcastle, and their supporters would love him.
“Newcastle are a really big club, so it would not feel like a massive step down for Nunez, but the important thing is that the pressure would not be as telling. And I think Eddie Howe, who I think will become England manager in the future, can make Nunez into the player that many thought he would become at Liverpool.”
TEAMtalk understands that Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak is Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s dream target, and Gunners attacking midfielder Martin Odegaard has been raving about him.
When asked to name the better striker between Isak and Manchester City star Erling Haaland, Odegaard told Fotboll Skanalen: “Both are good in and around the box and score a lot of goals.
“They are a little different in their style of play, but both are dangerous goal scorers,” he said, before then standing up for the Manchester City man, his international teammate.
“I have been lucky enough to play with both of them and found it enjoyable. If you look at what Erling has done and the records, he sets all the time, it speaks for itself.
“But it is clear that Isak has had a very good season and is a fantastic player.”
Meanwhile, TEAMtalk can reveal that Newcastle United have made Dean Huijsen their top target in the summer transfer window.
POLL: Who has been Newcastle’s best signing since their Saudi owners took over?