New Wolves boss Vitor Pereira has underlined his intention to keep hold of Matheus Cunha in January despite reports linking him with a move to Manchester United.

The attacker has been the subject of transfer speculation over recent weeks amid Wolves’ poor season. His 10 goals in 18 Premier League matches is a tally which is two greater than United’s two league top scorers - Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford - combined (eight).

Main centre-forward options Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirzkee have together only managed to score five in almost 1,500 Premier League minutes - around the same amount Cunha has played for Wolves in the top-flight this season.

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United are not the only team to be linked, with Arsenal also connected amid rumours they could search for a forward in January. The Gunners only registered a net spend of £17million this summer so might have room for spending.

United are thought to have little wiggle room, although a possible exit for the unsettled Rashford would open up funds. However, Pereira is keen to keep hold of Cunha.

The Portuguese manager defeated fellow countryman and counterpart Ruben Amorim 2-0 on Boxing Day to make it two wins from two since arriving at Molineux. He described goalscorer Cunha’s display against United as "magic" and made his transfer stance on the 25-year-old very clear.

Speaking this weekend, Pereira said of Cunha: "I hope he stays with us for a long time, but I understand that as a special player - he will have opportunities for sure in his career.

"It is not only about his technique, but his personality. He is special because he can take the ball in a moment of pressure and make magic from nothing." The coach added: "No, of course I do not want him to be sold in January."