Newcastle fans can be forgiven for experiencing a strange and unwanted feeling of deja vu this week. After being linked heavily with an exciting young attacker throughout the build-up to this summer’s transfer window, Liverpool appear to have snuck in at the last and pipped them to the post - again. Last year, it was Hugo Ekitike; this year, it is Victor Munoz.
Liverpool have moved swiftly to secure Victor Munoz after triggering the Osasuna winger's €40 million (£34.6m) release clause. The Reds acted decisively to beat Newcastle United to the Spain international, with the 22-year-old now set to become the first signing of Andoni Iraola's tenure at Anfield.
Newcastle United have reportedly opened negotiations with Osasuna to sign Spain World Cup star Victor Munoz as they look to fill the void left by Anthony Gordon. The Magpies are moving aggressively in the early stages of the summer window to secure the 22-year-old before his stock rises further on the international stage.
Former Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta has announced his retirement from professional football. The veteran defender shared an emotional farewell message after bringing the curtain down on a career that spanned 20 seasons across Europe.
With Barcelona still said to be mulling over whether to sign Marcus Rashford on a permanent basis, the on-loan Manchester United attacker provided a timely - and hugely important - reminder of his worth as Barcelona beat Osasuna 2-1 on Saturday evening to move 14 points clear at the top of La Liga. The Blaugrana were struggling dismally to break down their hosts when Flick decided to bring Rashford on midway through the second half of the game in Pamplona.
FC Barcelona looks set to suffer a setback in their bid to sign Victor Munoz. Of all teams, it is Real Madrid who appear to be throwing a spanner in the works.