Newcastle United transfers: The Magpies have been dealt a major transfer blow early in the window - and it’s Liverpool inflicting it once again.
The Magpies had held positive talks with Osasuna winger Victor Munoz and were confident of agreeing a deal, only for Liverpool to swoop in and trigger the 22-year-old’s £35million release clause.
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Anthony Gordon replacement? Not anymore
Newcastle had lined Munoz up as a replacement for Anthony Gordon following the England international’s £70million move to Barcelona earlier this month. Munoz looked likely to be Newcastle’s second summer signing after the £18million move for goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen from Stade de Reims.
The Magpies had been given the transfer green light by Real Madrid, who sold Munoz to Osasuna last summer but retained 50% of his economic rights as well as a buy-back option. The La Liga giants would not stand in Newcastle’s way and trigger the clause.
But as Newcastle looked to negotiate a package lower than Munoz’s £35million release clause, Liverpool look to have beaten them to the signing of the player by triggering fee required.
On Wednesday evening, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the Liverpool ‘hijack’ with his trademark ‘here we go’ confirmation.
Romano tweeted: “Liverpool are set to sign Víctor Muñoz with HIJACK done, HERE WE GO! Newcastle in advanced talks for days but #LFC enter the deal, verbally agree terms with Muñoz and activate €40m release clause.
“All set to be signed and another big surpise.”
He added: “Release clause activated, medical already done in the US. Official statement to follow already this week. Big surprise after hijack with Real Madrid getting €20m.”
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