Victor Munoz set to sign for Liverpool in £35m deal after stunning new transfer hijack

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SportFootballLiverpool FCSpain international Victor Munoz looks set to become the first signing of the Andoni Iraola era after Liverpool signalled their intent to trigger his Osasuna release clauseLiverpool are closing in on a deal for Osasuna and Spain winger Victor Munoz after hijacking Newcastle United’s move.The 22-year-old had been tracked by Newcastle before Liverpool nudged ahead of their Premier League rivals by signalling their intent to trigger the pacy wideman’s release clause, which stands at around £35m.Munoz is currently with Spain for their World Cup campaign in the United States and is set to undergo a Reds medical in Atalanta ahead of becoming the first signing of the Andoni Iraola era at Anfield.Liverpool have been seeking players with speed in wide areas following the end-of-season departure of Mohamed Salah and Munoz, who turns 23 next month, ticks all the boxes.The Reds' recruitment team have been assessing profiles that they believe will bring out the best of £125m striker Alexander Isak next season.Munoz, who operates off the left, is someone who can add depth to the forward positions at a time when Hugo Ekitike is sidelined for the long term with a ruptured Achilles.The youngster registered six goals and two assists in 34 La Liga games for Osasuna, who he signed for from Real Madrid for just €5m last summer.Under the terms of the agreement, which will see Liverpool trigger a €40m release clause, 50% of the fee is due to Real Madrid, who Munoz made two senior appearances for prior to his departure last year.The Reds have also been tracking RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande following Salah’s exit and remain in talks with the Bundesliga side.But the long-term nature of Ekitike’s injury has meant Liverpool have looked to bolster their attacking options further and it’s unlikely that the deal for Munoz will deter the 20-time English champions from pressing on with more discussions over Ivory Coast star Diomande, who could cost upwards of £85m.But La Roja winger Munoz is now on the cusp of moving to Anfield, with sporting director Richard Hughes leading on the deal this week.The impending transfer marks the third time in a year that the Reds have dealt Newcastle a huge blow in the transfer market, having won the race for Ekitike last summer before snaring Isak for a British record fee of £125m, despite the North East club preferring to keep the Sweden international.Born in Catalonia, Munoz spent three years in Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy but, after a spell at Catalan youth side CF Damm, he joined Real Madrid as an 18-year-old.Choose Liverpool Echo as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCNewcastle United FC