- Newcastle United have clear run at Muñoz after Real Madrid reject buy-back option
- Muñoz agrees personal terms with Magpies & will have medical at World Cup
- Why Eddie Howe loves Muñoz as Gordon replacement
Newcastle United have received a significant boost in their pursuit of Osasuna winger Victor Muñoz after discovering that Real Madrid will not activate their buy-back clause, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Newcastle have reportedly sent a bid of around £35m, including add-ons, for Muñoz, which would meet his Osasuna release clause once all payments are completed.
Los Blancos had posed a threat to the Magpies’ move for Muñoz with the possibility of a £6.9m deal being struck if Real wanted to activate the clause. But Madrid have no interest in making that a reality, giving the Magpies a clear run at the Spanish international.
Madrid will still get 50% of the final fee for Muñoz, thanks to a sell-on clause inserted into his contract. This will likely hand Real around £14.5m, which appears to be one of the main reasons they have decided against activating the buy-back clause.
Muñoz personal terms agreed
Muñoz is expected to sign a deal at Newcastle until 2031, with the player said to be more than happy with the financial offer brought to the table.
The Spanish international is more than impressed by the project on Tyneside and feels the Magpies give him an excellent platform to continue his development in the Premier League.
Muñoz is currently at the World Cup in America, where he is expected to be a back-up to Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams.
His current station at the tournament isn’t expected to pose any threat to his Newcastle move, though, and the 23-year-old will complete his medical in the Spanish camp should an agreement between the two clubs be reached.
Muñoz the perfect Gordon replacement
There had previously been a plethora of names linked to the club following the departure of Anthony Gordon, but Muñoz is admired as the most adept Gordon replacement – hence why the club is pushing hard for his signature.
There have even been some reports that Barcelona enquired about Munoz before deciding to sign Gordon, but a deal was deemed impossible given the power Real Madrid still hold over his contract.
The Spaniard is lightning quick and exceptionally direct, which saw him accumulate a respectable tally of seven goals and five assists across last season, ultimately keeping his side in La Liga and gaining an international call-up for his exploits.
He can also play anywhere across the frontline, which is reportedly one of the main reasons that Eddie Howe is so attracted to him as a Gordon replacement. Newcastle also have a lot of other areas to invest in this summer, so utility men like Muñoz are a perfect fit for the recruitment strategy.
