Arne Slot gives Newcastle United interest in £62.5m star his seal of approval

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Newcastle United have faced tough competition for their transfer targets in recent windows.

The Magpies should be in a better position to spend in the summer after selling Lloyd Kelly and Miguel Almiron in the January transfer window.

The consequence of their exits is that Eddie Howe must finish the season with a weakened squad and fewer squad players that can come in for cup games or in the event of injuries.

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Newcastle United have already seen first-hand the issue of selling without buying – Howe confirmed Sven Botman will miss the Manchester City game with a knee problem.

Elsewhere, Dan Burn was an injury concern for Newcastle after he went off during the FA Cup win against Birmingham. Howe has since confirmed that Burn should be available for Saturday’s trip to the North West.

With Newcastle’s summer transfer plans in place, Liverpool boss Arne Slot has gone public with his admiration for a player the Magpies have had a longstanding interest in.

Arne Slot on Newcastle target Matheus Cunha

Wolverhampton Wanderers attacker Matheus Cunha has been a standout player for a relatively poor side this season. So far this campaign, the Brazilian has scored 11 goals and bagged four assists.

His impressive form has caught the eye of clubs across the Premier League, including Newcastle.

Former sporting director Dan Ashworth wanted Cunha at Newcastle while he was still playing for La Liga side Atletico Madrid in 2022.

As well as Newcastle, Arsenal also want Cunha – the Gunners are in desperate need of attacking options after it was revealed that Kai Havertz will miss the rest of the season with a hamstring problem.

After signing a new contract at Wolves, it was revealed that Cunha has a £62.5m release clause which will be active in the summer.

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Premier League leaders Liverpool face Wolves on Sunday. In his pre-match press conference, Slot was asked about Cunha.

He said: “Matheus Cunha is a quality player and he has the quality to play for one of the top five teams in England”.

“If you go to the Dutch league and look at the team in 17th place, there is no player who could play for Ajax, PSV or Feyenoord”.

Newcastle will travel to Liverpool at the end of February before their Carabao Cup final clash at Wembley Stadium in March.

Arne Slot could poach Newcastle target in the summer

While Cunha was the topic of discussion on Friday, Liverpool could make a summer move for another Newcastle target.

Liverpool are linked to Bryan Mbeumo who is a contender to replace Mohamed Salah who is out of contract at the end of the season.

The winger has had an exceptional season for Brentford so far, scoring 14 goals and bagging three assists. Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher urged Slot to sign Mbeumo who would cost clubs around £50m.

Mbeumo is considered Newcastle’s ‘dream’ signing – the Magpies are in desperate need of a new right-winger after selling Miguel Almiron. 29-year-old Jacob Murphy has performed well this season, but there is no guarantee that he will carry his form into next season.