Newcastle raid Liverpool in revenge mission after €40m Victor Munoz deal | OneFootball

Liverpool have signed Victor Munoz.

The Spaniard, 22, becomes Andoni Iraola’s first signing as the Reds’ head coach. Liverpool triggered the €40m release clause in the winger’s Osasuna contract - paving the way for a six-year deal at Anfield.

Developments came quickly this week with sporting director Richard Hughes stealing in at the 11th hour to wrap up the transfer.

The deal has left Newcastle stunned once again - following on from Liverpool pipping the Geordies to the signing of Hugo Ekitike last summer.

Newcastle wanted €40m Munoz deal

Eddie Howe’s side thought they had a deal done for Munoz - their first choice to replace Anthony Gordon on the left side of their attack.

Having laid the groundwork the North East side were expected to capitalise only for Liverpool to pull off a transfer masterclass. The Toon are now frustrated having missed out on Munoz and plan to raid Liverpool for a replacement.

Because a report in Caught Offside is claiming that Cody Gakpo is on the Magpies’ list as a Munoz alternative.

Cody Gakpo now a target for Newcastle

The Dutchman, 27, has seen his future come into question over recent weeks following the dismissal of Arne Slot as head coach.

Without the guarantees of first-team football - and Rio Ngumoha as well as Munoz for competition - £250k per week Gakpo could be forced to look elsewhere.

Tottenham and Atletico Madrid are among the teams reported to have expressed interest - with Newcastle now placing Gakpo on their wishlist alongside two more Arsenal forwards in Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli.

Liverpool weighing up Gakpo sale

“They’ve asked Arsenal about Trossard and Martinelli. They also like Cody Gakpo, but the current feeling seems to be that Martinelli could be cheaper,” the report reads.

“Nothing’s advanced yet, and Newcastle won’t rush this. They weren’t entirely convinced about meeting Munoz’s release clause, and they’re prepared to wait to find a deal they’re fully convinced strengthens their squad whilst still representing good value for money.”

Gakpo sealed a massive contract extension last year meaning Richard Hughes remains in total control over the former PSV captain’s transfer destiny.

The club will have no plans to let him go cheaply and a price of around £70m has been discussed.

A move could be favourable for Liverpool now that they have got Munoz as well as Ngumoha in place as left-wing options.

And any money received for Gakpo can go towards improving the squad in other priority areas - such as right-wing, right-back and central midfield.