Newcastle United have lost the race to sign Victor Munoz from Osasuna to a familiar transfer rival.
Liverpool are now set to sign the player after reaching a full agreement under Newcastle’s nose. The Magpies had representatives over in the United States to finalise the deal for the Spain international after agreeing terms with the player, his agent and Osasuna, only for Liverpool to beat them to the punch.
Although Liverpool agreeing a deal seemed to come out of the blue, The Gazette understands Newcastle were always aware of Liverpool’s interest and had even been told that Munoz would reject a move to Merseyside to join Newcastle.
But actions speak louder than words with the player seemingly having a change of heart from a Newcastle perspective after Liverpool triggered his £35million release clause. Munoz has also completed his medical at Liverpool while over at the World Cup.
Club sources insist Newcastle negotiating a deal below Munoz’s release clause was not the reason why the club missed out, as they would have been prepared to trigger the clause had they been made aware of another club agreeing a higher fee. But that didn’t happen, which left the club frustrated and confused at the apparent late U-turn from the player and his representatives.
It’s an early but significant blow for Newcastle in the summer transfer window with Munoz identified 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.
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