Aston Villa join the race for Wolves' Matheus Cunha – amid interest from Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr in star striker Jhon Duran

Wolves forward Matheus Cunha continues to attract major Premier League attention with Aston Villa the latest club to be monitoring his situation.

As we head into into the final days of the window, Cunha’s future is subject of intense speculation with a number of top-flight clubs carrying varying degrees of interest in the forward.

Nottingham Forest, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United are all said to be keen on the Brazil international, with Villa now contemplating joining the chase.

However, it is understood Villa would look to move a player out before committing to a swoop for Cunha to ensure they stay well within profit and sustainability regulations.

Striker Jhon Duran is emerging as a target for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr but it remains to be seen whether Villa are willing to sell the Colombia forward, who was subject of a £57million failed offer from West Ham this week.

Any exit for Duran would help financially facilitate a swoop for Cunha, with sources indicating that an offer from Villa for the Wolves without a sale is unlikely.

Aston Villa are monitoring Matheus Cunha’s situation at Wolves and are keen on the striker

A move would likely only occur if Villa can offload Jhon Duran, who has attracted interest from Al-Nassr, as they are wary about breaching profit and sustainability regulations

Cunha has netted 10 goals and provided four assists in 21 league games for Wolves this season

Cunha has netted 10 goals and provided four assists in 21 league games for Wolves this season

Wolves are determined to keep their forward and have opened talks over extending his contract. There has been optimism from Molineux that their efforts to sign him to fresh terms would end in success.

It is said that talks over a new deal were motivated by the club’s wish to reward the player for his contribution and has no bearing on his future.

Equally, however, there appears to be no indications yet that Cunha will sign a new deal until the transfer window has closed so not to shut the door on a January exit.

However Wolves insist Cunha is not for sale and are yet to receive any formal offers for the player.

Cunha’s contract still has two-and-a-half years left to run and Wolves feel they are in a strong position to hold on to their Brazilian – but it remains to be seen if an offer of £60million upwards tempts the club into re-assessing their stance.

There is also the issue of signing a replacement for Cunha in the event of his departure.

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