Liverpool trigger £34.5m clause for Victor Munoz

In a stunning development that has blindsided Newcastle United, Liverpool have officially completed the first major signing of the Andoni Iraola era.

The Reds have reportedly triggered the €40m (£34.5m) release clause in Osasuna winger Victor Munoz’s contract.

Newcastle had spent days haggling over structural terms for the 22-year-old Spanish international, but Liverpool recruitment staff acted with total discretion, striking late on Wednesday evening to steal a march on their rivals.

Munoz, currently in the United States with the Spain squad for the World Cup, underwent a medical in Atlanta after being granted special permission by the Spanish Football Federation.

The versatile attacker, who can play across the entire frontline, has formally signed a six-year contract at Anfield valid until June 2032.

This latest news will no doubt irk many Newcastle fans who are still trying to get over the signing of Alexander Isak last summer.