Newcastle United have been left licking their wounds after Liverpool hijacked their move for Osasuna winger Victor Munoz at the eleventh hour. The Magpies had agreed a fee and personal terms with the 22-year-old but, just as so often happened last summer, were gazumped by a 'big six' side with Munoz now putting the finishing touches to a move to Anfield.
The former Real Madrid youngster had been lined up as Anthony Gordon's replacement after his move to Barcelona earlier this summer but now Newcastle will go back to the drawing board in their search for the England international's successor. United have other targets in that position after detailed conversations and meetings between sporting director Ross Wilson, the recruitment and data team. With that in mind, Chronicle Live has taken a look at possible Munoz alternatives Newcastle may turn to next.
Abde Ezzalzouli
Chronicle Live understands Newcastle scouts took in a couple of Real Betis games earlier this year and the Morocco international winger was the subject of their gaze. The 24-year-old came through Hercules' ranks before earning a move to Barcelona in 2021 and two years later he moved to Betis where has established himself as one of La Liga's leading wingers. He scored 15 goals and registered 13 assists across all competitions last season and played an integral role in Manuel Pellegrini's side earning qualification to next season's Champions League. It is believed Ezzalzouli has a £51million release clause and he is expected to be a player to watch out for in this summer's transfer market. He is currently nursing a knee injury which will keep him out of the World Cup but it isn't thought to be serious enough to eat into pre-season.
Matias Fernandez-Pardo
The Lille forward can play right across the frontline and his performances in France this season have seen him called up to Belgium's World Cup squad. Having come through Lille's academy, Fernandez-Pardo opted to leave for Belgian side Gent and it was back in his homeland where he made his name. He returned to Lille two years ago and has quickly established himself as one of Ligue 1's leading talents. He bagged eight goals and seven assists last season to inspire Lille to Champions League qualification but Lille manager Bruno Genesio feels he has a much higher ceiling he can reach. "He is still far away from what he can do because he has qualities way above the average," Genesio said. "I can see that it is a lot better in terms of his commitment to the team. I see a lot of improvement in his game without the ball, in terms of his runs, his defensive effort. He is on the right path. He knows it and we all have confidence in him. But, naturally, we are always more demanding with people have such potential." Fernandez-Pardo impressed from the bench in Belgium's opening game draw with Egypt in the World Cup earlier this week and is also attracting interest from Aston Villa.
Antonio Nusa
Any avid World Cup watchers would have been impressed by Nusa's dazzling performance for Norway earlier this week in their 4-1 win over Iraq. The 21-year-old has kicked on to a new level in the last two seasons since joining RB Leipzig from Club Brugge and his pace, balance and trickery make him a nightmare for full-backs to deal with. With three years left on his contract, any move won't come cheap, but he has previously been scouted by Barcelona and has the potential to become one of European football's leading wingers.
Bazoumana Toure
So, too, does Toure, who took German football by storm last season after joining Hoffenheim from Swedish side Hammarby last summer. The 20-year-old Ivorian international scored five goals and registered 12 assists to help his side secure Europa League football and he carried that form into the World Cup with an impressive display in Ivory Coast's 1-0 win over Ecuador. Toure is liked by Liverpool and Manchester United as well and is said to be available for around £43million.
