Matheus Cunha 'likely to leave Wolves' after 'huge' contract twist

Matheus Cunha is still considered likely to leave Wolves in the summer despite having committed to a new contract at Molineux.

That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the "huge" £62.5million release clause will not deter interested sides.

Instead, it has only narrowed the market as only select teams are expected to have the financial capabilities to tempt the 25-year-old Brazilian away from Wolves.

This comes after Football Insider exclusively revealed on 8 February that the forward will "definitely" be sold if they suffer relegation this season.

As things stand, Wolves are just two points outside the relegation zone with both Ipswich and Leicester tight on their heels in the fight for survival.

Cunha has already played a key role despite his team's struggles this season, with his 12 goals and four assists in 25 appearances catching the eye of several top sides.

Brown told Football Insider in January that Arsenal had joined the race for his signature, while Man United and Aston Villa are keeping a close eye on his situation.

Man United and Arsenal in race to sign Wolves star Matheus Cunha

The Brazilian has been one of the most talked-about names in the Premier League this season, and Wolves' potential relegation has thrown his future into question.

Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted he still expects Cunha to make the move in the summer and the release clause could smooth things through.

"He's got the benefit of having signed a new contract," he told Football Insider.

"And Wolves have got the benefit of the release clause, because now they can be sure they won't be forced to sell him for below market value.

"But I don't think that means he'll be staying at Wolves for much longer.

"It's a question of which teams are likely to match that clause, because I think he's still likely to leave.

"The clause has probably shrunk the market in terms of who can afford to pay the money they're asking for and who can tempt him away.

"There are only a select few clubs who will be looking to pay £60million for him - that's a huge price.

"That'll be your Arsenal's, Man United's, Chelsea's type of price range, you'd think.

"I like him, I think there are things in his game he should be looking to improve, but he's done very well in what has been a poor side this season.

"His future will be one to watch because there's no shortage of interest in him."

Financial concerns growing as fire sale mooted at Molineux

Even if Wolves avoid relegation come the end of the season, there are growing concerns at Molineux that they could be forced to cash in on a number of key players.

Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness warned Football Insider that the Black Country side have struggled to comply with the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules.

As a result, they may be forced to raise money via player sale in a last-ditch attempt to avoid a possible points deduction as Everton and Nottingham Forest suffered last season.

One of the players on the move could be Cunha, while the likes of Joao Gomes have also been linked with big moves away from Wolves in the summer.

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