Liverpool's real reason for snubbing Cunha transfer as Man Utd close in

Matheus Cunha has attracted plenty of potential suitors with his form for Wolverhampton Wanderers but Liverpool gave Manchester United a clear run at the Brazilian

Liverpool stepped away from a move for Matheus Cunha amid concerns about how he might fit into their squad, it has been claimed. The Brazilian international is on the verge of joining Manchester United from Wolverhampton Wanderers in a £62.5million deal after a career-best season at Molineux.

Cunha ended the campaign with 15 league goals - the joint-most for a Brazilian in the Premier League, matching totals posted by Roberto Firmino and Gabriel Martinelli. He also signed a contract extension with Wolves midway through the campaign, allowing them to recoup a significant fee.

This was enough to convince United to match his release clause, and there is optimism the deal can be wrapped up before Cunha links up with the Brazil squad. The forward is part of Carlo Ancelotti's first squad since taking over as head coach, with matched against Ecuador and Paraguay on the horizon in early June.

There was a moment when Liverpool looked as though they might rival United for Cunha's signature. However, according to The Mail, their plans changed before the most recent offer from their fellow Premier League side.

The former Atletico Madrid star is understood to have fans at Anfield, but the Reds' depth in attacking areas remained a factor. It has been claimed they weren't fully convinced when it came to how Cunha might fit into the current system, and instead have prioritised other targets.

Top of that list of targets is Florian Wirtz. The Bayer Leverkusen star is being eyed up in a move which would see Liverpool pay a club record sum of £85m or more.

Arne Slot's men are understood to have stolen a march on Bayern Munich, who had previously looked like the most likely winners of the transfer battle. Manchester City and Real Madrid were also mentioned in connection with the 21-year-old, but Liverpool are now leading the race - much to the frustration of Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen.

"Much more has been written than spoken," Dreesen told TZ (via the ECHO) before attempting what some have read as a dig at Liverpool over their failure to qualify for the upcoming Club World Cup. "FC Bayern is one of the absolute top clubs in Europe and the world. Our appeal among fans, but also among players, is enormous.

"The fact that not every player will end up with us is simply part of the package; it's the same for other top clubs. But everyone knows: with FC Bayern, you can win everything every year, you're involved in every competition – the upcoming Club World Cup is a good example of that.

"Just look at which clubs are represented there – and, most of all, which (clubs) aren't. The best European clubs are competing there – including FC Bayern. Our appeal, sporting ambitions, and economic power are well known to all top players around the world."