Newcastle United have entered the race to sign Osasuna winger Victor Munoz, joining Aston Villa and Real Madrid in pursuit of the highly-rated Spanish attacker. The 22-year-old has emerged as one of Europe's most promising wide talents after scoring on his international debut for Spain in March and is pushing for a spot in the 26-man World Cup squad.
Newcastle's transfer plans
The Magpies are looking to recruit a new left-winger in preparation for the likely departure of Anthony Gordon. The England international has been the subject of talks with Bayern Munich and is understood to be keen on a new challenge after three-and-a-half years at St James' Park. Mirror Football understands Newcastle have made checks on Munoz via his new representatives, Niagara Sports Company, ahead of the summer transfer window.
Initial enquiries are thought to have taken place alongside conversations regarding 17-year-old Kustosija Zagreb prospect Rafael Belinho. Newcastle are the latest club to scout the exciting teenager, who is also being tracked by Barcelona, Arsenal, and Manchester United.
Munoz's profile and fee
Munoz, like Gordon, can operate across multiple frontline positions. He has recorded seven goals and five assists in 36 appearances across all competitions this season. He joined Osasuna from Real Madrid last summer for an initial £4.3 million, but that only secured 50 percent of his rights. Consequently, Madrid are entitled to half of any future transfer fee Osasuna receive for the attacker, who has a £34.5 million (€40 million) release clause. Los Blancos also reportedly possess an undisclosed buy-back clause valid for three years.
Munoz is set to miss Osasuna's final La Liga match of the season against Getafe due to a minor injury, which is not expected to affect his potential World Cup involvement.
Competition for signature
Newcastle's arch-rivals Sunderland showed strong interest in January and made a proposal worth over £20 million, but a deal never materialised. Now, competition is fierce: Aston Villa are also in the fray, Real Madrid have held dialogue about re-signing the player, and Barcelona, Napoli, and AC Milan are keen as well. Eddie Howe's side have multiple options on their radar, but Munoz fits the profile they are seeking.
Hoffenheim's Bazoumana Toure is another forward Newcastle have tracked. The 20-year-old Ivory Coast international, formerly of Hammarby IF in Sweden, has excelled in the Bundesliga with five goals and 12 assists this season. In midfield, AS Monaco's Lamine Camara is among the club's top targets as Newcastle brace for summer interest in Sandro Tonali. Monaco would push for £40 million but know Camara's value could skyrocket if they wait until after the World Cup.
