Newcastle identify Spain World Cup star as possible Anthony Gordon replacement

Newcastle are in advanced talks with Osasuna for Victor Munoz, talkSPORT understands.

Spaniard Munoz is the Magpies’ top target to replace Barcelona-bound Anthony Gordon.

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The 22-year-old enjoyed a breakout campaign for Osasuna, scoring six times and assisting two more.

His impressive displays for the Pamplona outfit earned him a call-up to the Spanish national team in the March international break.

Munoz scored on debut in a 3-0 win over Serbia and featured in a 0-0 draw with Egypt.

The left winger, who only joined Osasuna last July from Real Madrid, went on to earn a spot in Spain’s World Cup squad.

Given the plethora of attacking talent within Spain’s ranks at this year’s tournament, Munoz could face an uphill battle to break into their starting line-up.

History remembers the Victors

However, European football expert Andy Brassell believes the large amount of games at the World Cup coupled with the need to avoid injuries to star attackers Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal could open the door for Munoz to star in the group stages.

“Victor Munoz, I think he’s really one to watch for Spain in this World Cup,” Brassell told talkSPORT.com.

“He’s had a great season with Osasuna. He turns 23 the day before the semi-finals start. So still pretty young and as we’ve seen with Lamine Yamal, Spain loves a tournament birthday to motivate them.

“Munoz is small, explosive from the left wing, can score as well as assist. And he’s got such a high ceiling.

“Now, Real Madrid, for whom he played actually a couple of substitute appearances in the Club World Cup going past last summer, they’ve got an option to buy him back this summer for a fairly low fee, which I think they might do, whether they bring him back into the squad or use him as collateral, I think he’s open to conjecture.

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“But Munoz had a really great start when he was introduced to the national team as well and scored his first goal on debut.

“I think bearing in mind the fact that Lamine Yamal is coming back from injury and might not even make the start of the World Cup, that Nico Williams has had an up and down season in terms of fitness.

“Munoz might get a little bit of bang off the bench and might start in the group. And there are very few players that Spain are going to arrive with that people are going to know nothing about. I think he’s going to be one of those. And I think he’ll really surprise some people.”

Gor blimey

Newcastle’s pursuit of Munoz comes weeks after Gordon moved to Barcelona in a £70million deal.

The England winger penned a five-year contract with the Spanish giants, a move that came as a bitter blow to Bayern Munich after they agreed terms with Gordon only for him to end up in Barcelona.

Gordon enjoyed a fruitful three-and-a-half years with the Magpies, scoring 39 goals and assisting 28 in 152 appearances across all competitions.

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The 25-year-old’s exit came after Newcastle failed to qualify for any form of European football next season, which accelerated their need to make a major sale.

Eddie Howe’s side ultimately finished 12th, five points behind bitter rivals Sunderland who qualified for the Europa League.