Liverpool are signing Newcastle target Victor Munoz, talkSPORT understands.
The Magpies were hopeful of recruiting Osasuna star Munoz to replace Anthony Gordon, who joined Barcelona in a £70million deal last month.
Spain winger Vctory Munoz
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Osasuna winger Munoz is with Spain at the World CupCredit: Getty
Taking the Vic
But Liverpool have swooped late to activate his €40million (£34m) release clause.
He now stands to be new boss Andoni Iraola's first signing since making the move to Merseyside.
We can exclusively reveal Munoz is set to sign a six-year deal at Anfield in a serious transfer blow for the Magpies.
The 2025/26 season proved to be a breakthrough campaign for Munoz.
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Munoz chipped in with six goals and two assists from 34 LaLiga matches to help Osasuna narrowly avoid relegation by finishing in 17th spot.
It was his first season at El Sadar Stadium having spent time at both Barcelona and Real Madrid's youth teams.
The 22-year-old made four first team appearances for Los Blancos in the 2024/25 term - earning himself a £5m switch to Osasuna.
And his dazzling displays caught the eye of Spain boss Luis de la Fuente, who awarded him his senior debut in March.
It proved to be a night to remember as he scored in a 3-0 victory over Serbia.
His performances at both club and international level saw him named in De La Fuente's World Cup squad.
Andoni Iraola presented as Liverpool boss
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Iraola is closing in on his first signing as Liverpool bossCredit: Getty
But he is yet to make his tournament debut having been an unused substitute in Spain's 0-0 draw with Cape Verde.
European football broadcaster Andy Brassell has tipped Munoz to be a potential breakout star at the global tournament.
He told talkSPORT.com: "Victor Munoz, I think he's really one to watch for Spain in this World Cup.
“He's had a great season with Osasuna. He turns 23 the day before the semi-finals start. So still pretty young and as we've seen with Lamine Yamal, Spain loves a tournament birthday to motivate them.
“Munoz is small, explosive from the left wing, can score as well as assist. And he's got such a high ceiling."
Before adding: "Munoz might get a little bit of bang off the bench and might start in the group.
Victor Munoz steps off the plane with Spain
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Munoz will be plying his trade in the Premier League next campaignCredit: Getty
"And there are very few players that Spain are going to arrive with that people are going to know nothing about, I think he's going to be one of those.
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"And I think he'll really surprise some people.”
More to follow...