Newcastle have turned their attention to a Liverpool star after losing out on the signing of Victor Munoz.
Andoni Iraola secured his first signing as Liverpool manager from right under the noses of Newcastle, sealing a £34.6m deal for Munoz who is currently at the World Cup with Spain.
Munoz, 22, was lined up as Newcastle’s replacement for Anthony Gordon on the left of their attack and had laid the groundwork for a move to St. James Park until Liverpool intervened at the final hour.
With Newcastle haggling over the price, Liverpool agreed to pay the release clause and Munoz sealed a move to Anfield shortly after.
It’s the second summer running Liverpool have gazumped Newcastle in the market, adding to the frustrations of Newcastle fans.
The Reds beat the Magpies to Hugo Ekitike last summer before going a step further and poaching Alexander Isak too, forcing Newcastle to sign Yoanne Wissa and Nick Woltemade who have both underwhelmed in their first season.
Now Newcastle plan to raid Liverpool for their Munoz alternative.
Caught Offside report that Cody Gakpo is on Eddie Howe’s shortlist, with the club’s hierarchy having discussed the Dutchman as potential Gordon replacement.
Gakpo’s future has been plunged into doubt following the dismissal of Arne Slot after netting just seven goals in a disappointing campaign one year after lifting the Premier League title.
Tottenham are also believed to be interested in the Dutch international who signed a new long-term deal believed to be worth around £250,000-per-week back in August 2025.
Newcastle have also held talks with Arsenal over Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard to bolster their attack.
Liverpool’s own winger pursuit centres on RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande.
The Ivory Coast star is valued at more than £100m, with Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain also in the running and the price expected to rise if the youngster continues to perform well at the World Cup.
Liverpool are believed to be interested in Koln’s Said El Mala, Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh as well as Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo if they miss out on Diomande.
PSG star Bradley Barcola could also end up at Anfield if the France international decides to depart but Arsenal are expected to provide competition for his signature.
Cody Gakpo speaks out on decision to sack Arne Slot
Gakpo was asked about Slot’s departure on international duty and claims none of the Liverpool squad saw the sacking coming.
He said: “It is, of course, a shame that the manager has been sacked.
“But yes, I believe the club released a statement about that, with the explanation in it.
“Ultimately, I don’t think anyone, any of the players, saw it coming. But it certainly happened.
“Many of our players at the club are also working towards the World Cup now, so we’ll have to quickly put that aside, no matter how difficult that can be for someone.”
