Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs believes the signing of Matheus Cunha was hugely important for the club.

The Brazilian attacker was signed from Atletico Madrid right before Christmas in an initial loan deal.

Cunha will be eligible to play for Wolves when the transfer window opens on January 1st.

Asked about securing Cunha for new boss Julen Lopetegui, Hobbs told the club website: “When a manager comes in and is so strong, with so much belief in a player, it's important for the club to ensure the deal gets done to show the manager that the club is behind him. It felt an important one. It's been about getting that first piece of the puzzle, and from day one that was Matheus.

“He's a player we liked before, but someone we didn't think would be achievable for us in our current position. Now it's a bit of a statement, so other players we're talking to, who may look at our league position, are now looking at the manager, and once they see the first signing, it gives them faith and belief in the project that Julen and I spoke about."