Liverpool have agreed the first signing of the Andoni Iraola era after completing a shock transfer hijack for Victor Munoz, according to an overnight bombshell from Fabrizio Romano.
Liverpool appear to be placing a large emphasis on strengthening their attacking options following the appointment of Iraola at Anfield earlier this month.
The Reds have been working on a deal to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig as a replacement for the outgoing Mohamed Salah, with GIVEMESPORT sources reporting that club chiefs have made progress on the player's side, and they now believe that the 19-year-old would like to join them.
Agreeing a fee with the Bundesliga outfit for the sensation could be another matter though, with Leipzig ready to demand a fee in excess of £100m for their prized asset, who announced himself on the world stage with a man-of-the-match performance for the Ivory Coast in their opening World Cup group game against Ecuador.
Liverpool have been linked with bringing in a second winger too, with Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain one of the names linked, but now they are closing in on a deal to sign Munoz from Osasuna instead.
Romano: Liverpool Hijack Newcastle Deal for Munoz
Victor Munoz in action for Osasuna against Real MadridVincent West Via Reuters
Reports in recent days had suggested that Newcastle United were closing in on a deal to sign Munoz from Osasuna, but Romano revealed late on Wednesday night that Liverpool have completed a 'shock' hijack and activated the player's €40m release clause in a transfer that has come 'out of nowhere'.
The Reds have verbally agreed terms with the 22-year-old, who is currently representing Spain at the 2026 World Cup, and he will become the first signing of the Iraola era.
GIVEMESPORT sources revealed that the Spaniard will sign a six-year deal to link up with his compatriot Iraola at Anfield, in the club's first major summer arrival.
In another detail revealed, Real Madrid will receive half of the €40m fee because of the 50% sell-on clause written into the contract when he joined Osasuna.
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Liverpool Working on Midfield Signing
Adam Whartonvia Reuters
Liverpool are also considering their options in midfield, where Curtis Jones is expected to leave after attracting strong interest from Serie A.
Doubts have also been raised over the future of Alexis Mac Allister, according to GMS sources, meaning there could be a new arrival in the engine room in the coming months.
GMS have revealed that the Reds have a big appreciation for Crystal Palace and England star Adam Wharton, who has just helped the Eagles qualify for the Europa League after winning the Europa Conference League final.
The Merseysiders are one of many top Premier League clubs holding talks over Lille sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi who, like Diomande, announced himself on the world stage at the World Cup by dominating Casemiro and the rest of the Brazilian midfield during Morocco's 1-1 draw with the South American giants.
Liverpool chiefs must now decide which route they are going to go down, but what is clear is that they are ready to heavily back Iraola in this window after a disappointing season.