Victor Munoz is resisting a tempting offer from Newcastle but an agent could get in the way
Newcastle’s summer recruitment drive shows no signs of slowing down, with Eddie Howe continuing to strengthen his squad.
One position that is attracting some attention right now is between the sticks.
The Magpies have recently agreed a deal to sign Ewen Jaouen from Reims, the highly-rated French stopper who is seen as another exciting talent for the future.
Newcastle have moved quickly to secure the goalkeeper after reaching an agreement with the Ligue 1 side, demonstrating the club’s continued commitment to investing in emerging prospects.
However, Jaouen’s arrival does not appear to have ended Newcastle’s search for goalkeeper reinforcements.
You scored a goal
out of 20
Now backed by David Ornstein, after reports linking them with James Trafford for months, the club retain a strong interest in Man City’s number two despite signing Jaouen’s deal.
Trafford has long been a favorite of Newcastle and has become one of the most highly regarded young goalkeepers in English football.
Better than Gordon: Newcastle in talks to sign big striker
Newcastle are overhauling their forward line following the sale of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona.
The England international, who has been included in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad, continues to attract interest from a number of Premier League clubs, including Tottenham and Aston Villa, but Newcastle are believed to remain firmly in the running should the opportunity arise.
That situation highlights the current desire to recruit at St James’ Park under Ross Wilson, but their transfer plans go beyond defence.
Newcastle have recently begun negotiations over a contract for Osasuna star Victor Munoz, whose good form in La Liga has been rewarded with a nod to Spain’s World Cup squad.
The 22-year-old was a youth player at Real Madrid and Barcelona, before being sold to Osasuna for around £5 million last summer.
Victor Munoz deliberately made a tempting offer for Newcastle
According to Cadena SER reporter Anton Meana, Newcastle made an attractive offer to Munoz.
The Spanish midfielder is regarded as one of the brightest attacking talents to emerge from Madrid’s academy and has attracted increasing interest from clubs across Europe due to his performances at youth level.
Meana reports that Munoz’s representatives are currently checking Newcastle’s ‘good offer’ and interest from other clubs.
However, it is said that the player’s camp will consider what they will choose before making a final decision on the next step in his career.
His agent could even push the money.
“Víctor Muñoz’s agent has a good offer from Newcastle and other clubs,” said Meana.
“Right now they are deciding whether to accept the Magpies’ offer or push hard for more money.”
Meana adds that Real have a big sales department, and if the expected transfer of £ 35m to St. James’ pass, Jose Mourinho’s side will get half the money.
“It would be around 35-40 million euros, with Real Madrid getting 50% of the transfer fee.”
The Magpies have been on the lookout for quality young talent in recent transfer windows and Munoz seems to fit that strategy perfectly.
At the beginning of his professional journey, the winger is viewed by many scouts as a player with great potential.
His pace, direct running and confidence in one-on-one situations have helped him establish a strong reputation within Spanish football circles.
Munoz scored 12 goals in all competitions for Osasuna last term, finishing with more goals in 90 than anyone else in his squad (WhoScored).
He also had an impressive 2.4 shots per 90 goals, the most of any Newcastle player in the Premier League last season, including Anthony Gordon.
Munoz would be an excellent fit for Howe, but there is always the risk of other clubs stepping in as negotiations continue.
A transfer was seen as inevitable with Tottenham and Sunderland set to hijack Newcastle’s rejected bid
There is a huge race to sign an exciting young defender.
