Newcastle United forced into action as top target holds talks that could ruin Eddie Howe’s transfer plans

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Newcastle United’s top target could be going elsewhere.

While Paul Mitchell prepares to overhaul the Magpies’ squad, Newcastle United’s Premier League rivals are also preparing to do business of their own.

It could be a massive summer of change for Newcastle United – especially if Champions League football returns to St James’ Park.

The club have some exciting targets on their radar, with Eddie Howe in need of attacking reinforcements.

That is why Newcastle want Matheus Cunha from Wolves, with the 25-year-old destined to leave Molineux. He has been described as one of Newcastle’s top targets, but Mitchell faces a lot of competition for his signature.

Matheus Cunha holds Manchester United talks

Nottingham Forest want Cunha too, but it is Manchester United who are trying to get ahead of the pack.

According to the Athletic, Manchester United have held talks with Cunha about a summer move to Old Trafford.

The report adds that Man United officials, including Ruben Amorim, are all aligned about signing the Brazilian attacker and are working towards agreeing personal terms with him.

Cunha will cost £62.5million due to a release clause in his contract.

The advantage Newcastle United could have over Manchester United in Matheus Cunha pursuit

Man United are signalling their intent, which could force Newcastle United to make a move of their own. That will depend on how serious the Magpies are about bringing Cunha to Tyneside.

He certainly ticks a lot of boxes. It is easy to understand why Eddie Howe would want him at St James’ Park.

Cunha’s versatility is probably the biggest selling point, with Wolves’ number 10 capable of operating in multiple roles.

But will Newcastle be able to pip Man United to his signature? That could depend on what happens over the next few weeks.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	LiverpoolLiverpool	33	24	7	2	75	31	44	79
2	ArsenalArsenal	33	18	12	3	61	27	34	66
3	Nottm ForestNottingham Forest	33	18	6	9	53	39	14	60
4	NewcastleNewcastle	33	18	5	10	62	44	18	59
5	Man CityManchester City	33	17	7	9	64	42	22	58
6	ChelseaChelsea	33	16	9	8	58	40	18	57
7	Aston VillaAston Villa	33	16	9	8	53	47	6	57

The Magpies might have an ace up their sleeve, as they aim to qualify for the Champions League. Despite Newcastle’s loss to Aston Villa, they are still in a strong position to return to Europe’s elite competition.

It is arguably a stronger position than what Manchester United are in. Their Champions League hopes rest on the Europa League, with the Red Devils due to face Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals.

If Man United go the distance and win the Europa League, they will be awarded with a slot in next season’s Champions League.

Champions League football could be pivotal in the pursuit of Cunha, as Newcastle United aim to return after a 12-month absence.