Matheus Cunha shares Champions League stance as Manchester United and Newcastle United battle

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Newcastle United know that securing Champions League football is vital for their summer transfer plans.

Being in the Champions League will mean that Newcastle United have more money to spend, while it also means that a higher calibre of player will be tempted to move to St James’ Park.

The last time the Magpies qualified for Europe’s top competition, Newcastle signed Sandro Tonali. That was a statement of intent, and bringing in the £55million man has proven to be a masterstroke.

Toon officials will hope to pull off more exciting deals this summer, with Newcastle interested in Matheus Cunha.

Manchester United optimistic about signing Matheus Cunha

The Wolves attacker is set to be on the move, with his £62.5million release clause poised to be activated.

Newcastle are keen, while Man United have held talks with Cunha about a move to Old Trafford.

They appear to be in pole position to secure his signature, and now Fabrizio Romano has provided a fresh update on X that only strengthens the Red Devils’ position.

Romano wrote: “Manchester United maintain optimism for Matheus Cunha deal as the club feels he really wants the move. UCL football not expected to be a factor with Cunha keen on the move, as Man United would be ready to pay £62.5m clause in instalments if Wolves approve. Talks continue.”

Newcastle United can afford to miss out on Cunha

If Champions League is not going to be a factor then Ruben Amorim’s side are surely even more likely to land Cunha.

Man United can still qualify for next season’s Champions League, but only if they win the Europa League. As for Newcastle, they are in a strong position to qualify through the Premier League with five games to go.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
3	Man CityManchester City	34	18	7	9	66	43	23	61
4	Nottm ForestNottingham Forest	33	18	6	9	53	39	14	60
5	NewcastleNewcastle	33	18	5	10	62	44	18	59
6	ChelseaChelsea	33	16	9	8	58	40	18	57
7	Aston VillaAston Villa	34	16	9	9	54	49	5	57

There had been hope that Champions League football could give Newcastle the edge over Man United in this transfer tussle, but that does not appear to be the case. Cunha is keen to join Man United, whether they are a Champions League club or not.

Newcastle United appear to be facing up to the reality of not signing Cunha, a player who has been described as one of the Magpies’ top targets.

It is a blow for Eddie Howe, but not a seismic one. In truth, it is unclear where Cunha would fit in at St James’ Park.

While he is an exceptional player, it is hard to pin down how he would slot into the Magpies’ starting XI – which is where he would be if he is going to cost more than £60million.

This is an important transfer window for Newcastle, with a new centre-back and right winger seen as essential. Cunha would not have filled either of those roles, so perhaps it is for the best that Howe is forced to look elsewhere for reinforcements.