United given boost in their pursuit of Wolves danger man

MATHEUS CUNHA is hopeful of a transfer to Manchester United after the club identified him as their prime playmaker target.

- By SAMUEL LUCKHURST

Sources close to Cunha say he is "optimistic" that a deal could materialise, despite a potentially prohibitive £62.5million fee.

United refused to break the £60m barrier for any of their five summer signings last year but would likely attempt to stagger the payment for Cunha in instalments.

Cunha has scored 16 goals in 31 games for Wolves this season but recently outlined his intention to leave the club in the summer.

The Brazil international signed a new contract in January that secured a salary increase and the agreement of a release clause.

United coach Ruben Amorim billed Cunha as "real quality" on the eve of their 1-0 defeat to Wolves last week.

"He (Wolves coach Vitor Pereira)'s playing a 3-4-3, he's doing quite well!