Matheus Cunha transfer verdict sends Manchester United major £62.5m Europa League final warning
The summer transfer window may not open until next month but Manchester United's early intentions have been clear for a few weeks now.
The Manchester Evening News reported last month that United were keen to sign Wolves star Matheus Cunha, who has a £62.5million release clause, and Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap, who has a £30million release clause which became active once the Tractor Boys were relegated from the Premier League.
The probable £92.5m cost of Cunha and Delap would be offset by the planned sales of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony, all of whom are currently away from Old Trafford on loan.
Cunha, who has 17 goals and six assists to his name this season, is set to be a man in demand this summer having impressed for Wolves for a number of seasons now. His representatives have welcomed United's interest and the Brazilian international is said to be keen to join the club.
However, United's situation next season is precarious. Their dreadful league form this season has them languishing in 15th place in the Premier League table, two places and two points below Cunha's current employers.
It has long been known United's season rests on success in the Europa League, where lifting that trophy comes with the added bonus of qualifying for next season's Champions League.
United face Tottenham, who are currently 16th in the Premier League, in the final of the competition in Bilbao later this month where the consequences of winning and losing is huge for both clubs.
If United fail to win they won't be in Europe next season and they will lose the added riches being in the Champions League will bring.
And while United's status of being one of the biggest clubs and having one of the richest histories in world football