Andoni Iraola's role in Victor Munoz transfer and squad planning talks as Liverpool hijack £34.5m move

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SportFootballVictor MunozLiverpool have agreed a deal to sign Osasuna star Victor Munoz, with new Reds manager Andoni Iraola's role in the move becoming clearAndoni Iraola has reportedly played a key role in helping Liverpool secure a deal to sign Victor Munoz this summer.News emerged on Wednesday that the Reds look set to sign the 22-year-old Osasuna forward and beat Newcastle United to his signature.Liverpool have agreed a deal worth £34.5million to sign Munoz, after agreeing to pay the release clause in the forward’s contract with the La Liga club.Bayer Leverkusen, Manchester United and Real Madrid, as well as Newcastle, have all been believed to have been in the race to sign Munoz, but Liverpool have beaten their rivals to agree a deal to bring the winger to Anfield.Munoz will be expected to sign a six-year contract to become a Liverpool player and underwent a medical on Wednesday afternoon while with the Spain squad for the World Cup.Once a deal is completed, Munoz is expected to become the first signing of Iraola’s time as Liverpool boss, and it’s emerged that the role the new head coach has played in the deal.The Daily Mail have reported that Liverpool have been keeping tabs on Munoz for some time, but ramped up their interest following the appointment of Iraola as the club’s manager.The report claims that Munoz’s name was discussed among Liverpool’s plans for the new season and the summer transfer window, with a move approved, in part, thanks to Iraola’s extensive knowledge of the player and the La Liga market.FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook pageMunoz may not end up the only forward signing that Liverpool make this summer, with it being understood that the move for the Osasuna star will not affect interest in RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande.Leipzig are hesitant about allowing Diomande to leave the club this, summer, with suggestions that the Bundesliga outfit value the 19-year-old at around €100m (£86.5m).Liverpool will be keeping an eye on how Munoz fares at this summer’s World Cup, waiting to see if the forward will add to the two caps he already has for his country.Munoz was an unused substitute in Spain’s goallss draw with Cape Verde in their tournament opener on Monday in Atlanta, but will hope to get minutes in the remaining Group H fixtures against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.Choose Liverpool Echo as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCAndoni IraolaVictor Munoz