Newcastle United learn whether they will have to face Matheus Cunha in January as Wolves star is handed ban

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Wolves star and Newcastle United target Matheus Cunha has been hit with a strong punishment.

The 25-year-old striker has made plenty of headlines this season but he was in the spotlight for the wrong reasons after Wolves lost to Ipswich Town earlier this month.

Ipswich stole all three points with a 94th-minute winner from Jack Taylor and it sparked a big clash between staff and players from both clubs.

Rayan Ait-Nouri was sent off for Wolves in the 95th minute and after the full-time whistle cameras spotted Matheus Cunha take a swipe at an Ipswich staff member.

Cunha, who has scored 10 goals in 20 Premier League appearances this season, has now been struck with a ban by the FA.

Will Newcastle United face Matheus Cunha in January?

As reported by BBC Sport, Cunha has been hit with a two-game ban and an £80,000 fine as a result of his bust-up against Ipswich.

It means Wolves will be without Cunha for their visit from high-flying Nottingham Forest next week, and next up in their Premier League calendar is a trip to St James’ Park.

However, before the trip to Tyneside, Wolves will travel to face Bristol City in the third round of the FA Cup.

Unfortunately for Newcastle, Cunha’s ban applies to cup competitions meaning he will have served his punishment and will be available to face the Magpies in mid-January.

Newcastle face a hectic start to January, starting with next week’s trip to Tottenham. Eddie Howe’s side will then face Arsenal in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals before hosting Bromley in the FA Cup.

Newcastle United have been linked with £70m Matheus Cunha

Newcastle want to sign a right winger in January and have also been linked with several centre-forwards.

The versatility of Cunha means he ticks both boxes, and the Wolves star has emerged on Newcastle’s transfer radar.

Newcastle have shown interest in signing Cunha in 2025 but face competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal.

READ MORE: Newcastle United ready to pounce for £100m Manchester City star in January

Wolves are eager to hold on to Cunha and have valued him at £70m – a fee that is certainly out of Newcastle’s price range for January.

Howe and Co. will get a good look at the Brazilian target if he returns to the Wolves lineup for their trip to Tyneside next month.