Newcastle pushing to sign Victor Munoz as Anthony Gordon's replacement - Report

It's becoming a big day on the transfer front at Newcastle United, with the club pushing to land early signings ahead of the World Cup kick-off next week.

French Under-21 stopper Ewen Jaouen looks set to arrive from Reims in a deal worth £24m, and our search for a new left winger appears to be ramping up.

Last week saw Anthony Gordon complete a £70m switch to Spanish giants Barcelona, and there's been a long list of potential replacements linked since then.

As we revealed last month, RB Leipzig's Antonio Nusa, Bazoumana Toure of Hoffenheim and Lille's Matias Fernandez-Pardo are all liked, but it sounds like the club have their sights set on Victor Munoz.

Munoz identified as ideal Gordon replacement

According to The Telegraph's Luke Edwards, Newcastle are pushing to sign Osasuna star Victor Munoz in their bid to replace Anthony Gordon.

He reports that the 22-year-old is considered the 'perfect' replacement for the England international, with the club valuing his huge potential and ability to play anywhere across the front three, much like Gordon.

Munoz will be part of Spain's squad for the upcoming World Cup, and it's thought the club have been given encouragement that he would be open to a move to St James' Park.

However, we have heard that before (see Joao Pedro last summer), and must fight off fierce competition for the La Liga star, who has a £34.5m release clause in his contract.

 Edwards reports that Newcastle are attempting to thrash out a deal with Osasuna and the player, who bagged seven goals and five assists last season.

Newcastle must act fast

As Edwards states in his piece, Newcastle have identified Munoz as a key target and are doing their utmost to strike an early deal.

Speed may be key, however, not just based on the level of interest, but the rate at which that could increase should the Spaniard impress at the World Cup.

If he's the man our recruitment team wants to replace Gordon, hopefully we can learn from last summer's failings and strike quickly, ticking off a left winger and young goalkeeper in the early stages of a pivotal window.