Turning their attention towards the summer transfer window, Newcastle United have reportedly joined the race to sign a 15-goal striker who's already had the seal of approval from Alan Shearer.
Newcastle join £63m striker race
For the first time in two transfer windows, the Magpies could be ready to splash the cash this summer. Fresh from their Carabao Cup final victory over Liverpool to end 70 years of hurt, the rumours have come thick and fast over just who Eddie Howe could welcome with open arms this summer.
Names such as Senne Lammens and Dean Huijsen have been just two names among those rumours, with the latter particularly attracting attention from across both Europe and the Premier League.
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He's some talent.
That attention should come as no surprise too. The Bournemouth defender has enjoyed a fantastic first season in the Premier League and has a release clause worth just £50m waiting to be triggered this summer. Whether Newcastle can jump ahead of the likes of Real Madrid in pursuit of his signature remains to be seen, however.
Meanwhile, Huijsen's not the only target with a release clause that the Magpies could trigger when the summer arrives. According to TeamTalk, Newcastle have now joined the race to sign Matheus Cunha, who will be allowed to leave Wolverhampton Wanderers for a hefty £63m in the coming months.
The Brazilian has dragged Wolves to safety at times this season and opted to stay put during the January transfer window in an attempt to finish the job. Given that the Midlands club now sit as many as eight points clear of the dropzone, it's fair to say it is all but job well done for Cunha and his teammates.
Matheus-Cunha-1
Now, the forward's attention could turn back towards a summer exit, which may yet end with a trip to St James' Park.
"Magnificent" Cunha has been more clinical than Isak
Those in Tyneside are, of course, well aware of what a top striker can do to a side after watching on as Alexander Isak steals the headlines week in, week out. In just a few months time, however, they could get double the joy if Cunha arrives to form a deadly partnership with the Swede - potentially taking Howe's side to a new level.
Cunha has already received the ultimate Newcastle seal of approval too, earning the praise of Alan Shearer who told the Rest Is Football podcast: "He was unbelievable again.
“The goal he scored, the one he bent in the top corner was an unbelievable finish. He was superb, Gary O’Neil had to talk about him again after the game, there’s no doubt he’s getting the best out of him. He’s been one of the players of the season up to now, he’s been magnificent as he was again (vs Fulham).”
What's more, if there were any concerns that the Wolves man wouldn't be able to match Isak's standards then the stats should quickly put those to bed, with 15 goals in all competitions this season.
Premier League stats 24/25 (via FBref) Matheus Cunha Alexander Isak
Starts 24 25
Goals 13 19
Expected Goals (goals vs expected) 6.7 (+6.3) 15.6 (+3.4)
Assists 4 5
Overperforming his expected finishing rate in the top flight by over six goals, Cunha has been incredibly clinical and will no doubt find himself at the centre of a transfer saga this summer.