Exclusive: Wolves in pole position to sign Jamie Vardy after ‘making biggest move’

Wolves are in pole position to sign Jamie Vardy on a free transfer ahead of his exit from Leicester, sources have told Football Insider.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that Vitor Pereira’s side are “making the biggest move” to get ahead of rivals for the 38-year-old’s signature.

It is believed the Black Country club see Vardy as an important impact player rather than a nailed-on starter at Molineux.

This comes after Football Insider exclusively revealed on 28 April that Wolves are plotting a surprise swoop for Vardy and are keen to add his experience to the squad.

Vardy, meanwhile, is said to be uncertain about the role he would be offered as an impact player but is keen to remain in the Premier League next season.

This comes after former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Wrexham will explore a deal for Vardy to drop into the Championship.

Wolves race Leeds and Wrexham to sign Jamie Vardy

Alongside Wolves and Wrexham, Brown told Football Insider that newly-promoted Leeds want to sign Vardy to bring experience to Daniel Farke’s squad.

There are concerns at Elland Road that he doesn’t fit their model of developing young talent into first-team stars, but they feel his experience could be valuable.

Wolves have now moved ahead in the race for his signature given Leeds’ doubts and they are prepared to move quickly to get a deal over the line.

After avoiding relegation this season, they are keen to bolster their squad despite the expectation that they will lose at least one key player this summer.

Football Insider revealed on 28 April that Man United are pushing to sign Matheus Cunha and have plans about where he will be deployed under Ruben Amorim.

Sam Johnstone wants to leave Molineux amid Leeds interest

While plans are being put in place to improve Pereira’s squad this summer after a difficult season, players may also be on the way out of Molineux.

Brown told Football Insider on 1 May that Sam Johnstone wants to leave Wolves after growing frustrated with his lack of playing time this season.

Since his £10million move to Wolves from Crystal Palace last summer, Johnstone has started just seven Premier League games and has dropped out of the England squad.

This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Leeds are eyeing a move for Johnstone ahead of what is set to be a busy window at Elland Road.

‘Arsenal set for Matheus Cunha talks as Man United scramble to avoid hijack’

Matheus Cunha is one of Manchester United’s big summer targets, but the Wolves attacker is reportedly exploring other options.

The 25-year-old has been one of the standout players in the league this season, scoring 15 goals and picking up six assists.

Arsenal are among a number of clubs interested in the Brazilian, and could deny Ruben Amorim the chance to bring Cunha to Old Trafford.

United beat Athletic Club in their Europa League last-four clash, setting up an enticing final against fellow Premier League strugglers Tottenham.

It means that the Red Devils are still in the hunt to qualify for the Champions League despite a dismal season domestically.

Arsenal schedule meeting with Cunha camp

Rather than replacing him, Man United will give Amorim time to sign players in the summer, with the hope being that the Portuguese manager can turn fortunes around.

Cunha was set to be one of the names brought in during the transfer window, to add some much-needed attacking talent to the Red Devils’ squad.

However, talkSPORT (8 May) are reporting that Cunha’s camp are set for talks with Arsenal, with a potential hijack on the cards.

talkSPORT also say that Newcastle are interested in the Wolves attacker, but Manchester United intend to move quickly to avoid missing out on one of their priority targets.

Cunha intent on forcing move away

Football Insider Verdict

Cunha signed a new contract at Wolves back in February but it included a £62.5million release clause, which has only heightened talk of a move away from Molineux.

Wolves fans were angered by Cunha when the South American posted a cryptic message on social media, which seemed to hint at his imminent departure.

The Brazilian has also been embroiled in some other controversial moments this season, most notably being sent off during Wolves’ FA Cup fifth-round defeat to Bournemouth.

Name	Goals	Assists	Yellow Cards	Red Cards	Games Played
Matheus Cunha	17	6	3	1	33

Rather than apologising to fans after his dismissal and subsequent four-match ban, Cunha opted to post a video of his goal from the game.

The attacker clearly has a ridiculous amount of talent, but he has let his emotions spill over too many times recently.

Whoever ends up signing Cunha has an incredible player on their hands, but one who is still prone to a moment of madness.