Liverpool are closing in on a deal to sign Osasuna and Spain international Victor Munoz, hijacking Newcastle United's transfer pursuit. The Liverpool ECHO understands the Reds are on the brink of securing Munoz after agreeing to trigger the forward's release clause.
The Spain international has a €40million (£34.6million) buyout clause written into his Osasuna contract. Munoz is now expected to put pen to paper on a six-year deal and complete his move to Merseyside. There had been speculation that Newcastle were edging closer to landing the 22-year-old. However, the Magpies have been unable to push a deal through, and the Reds have swiftly moved to take advantage.
World Cup Involvement
Munoz is currently with the Spain squad at this summer's World Cup in North America and was an unused substitute during their goalless opener against Cape Verde. It is anticipated he will undergo his Liverpool medical while still out in the USA. The former Barcelona and Real Madrid academy graduate predominantly operates as a left winger but is equally comfortable on the right flank when called upon.
Munoz has earned two caps for Spain and will be eager to add to that tally during the tournament. Their next fixture is scheduled for Sunday in Atlanta against Saudi Arabia, before they take on Uruguay later this month.
First Signing for Iraola
Should Munoz, who only joined Osasuna last summer from Real Madrid, complete a move to Liverpool, he would become the first acquisition of Andoni Iraola's tenure as head coach. Iraola was confirmed as the Reds' new boss earlier this month following Arne Slot's exit from the club, and will oversee pre-season training next month, which is set to include a tour of the United States.
Explaining his plans for next season, Iraola said: "For me, we are a lot of things as a manager but especially we are here to help the players. We have to provide, I always say, like a collective platform so everyone can do their job properly and we can find the best roles for every player. We can make them think that they will improve individually also with us, we can give them a culture, an atmosphere, so everyone kind of works as happy as possible."
He added: "I always say: if everyone is happy, there is a good mood around the team, this gives you points. I have no doubt about this. As a manager, it's always impossible to have everyone happy, but I think we have to establish a culture where everyone can feel comfortable doing their job."
