Normal view

Before yesterdayMain stream

Just in: Newcastle United plot attacking response after painful Liverpool transfer hijack

18 June 2026 at 17:00

Newcastle United are reportedly scrambling to reshape their attacking plans after missing out on Victor Muñoz to Liverpool in dramatic fashion.

The Osasuna winger looked to be heading towards Tyneside, with reports claiming Newcastle had worked hard on the deal and even had key steps lined up before Liverpool made a late move.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY

The Reds have now secured the Spanish attacker, leaving Newcastle frustrated after believing they were close to landing one of their priority wide options.

According to The Guardian, Liverpool moved quickly to sign Muñoz in a deal worth around £34.5m, beating Newcastle and several other clubs.

The Liverpool Offside also reported that Newcastle had agreed a fee, personal terms and agent fees before Liverpool hijacked the move.

New attacking options emerge for Newcastle United

However, Newcastle are not expected to waste time feeling sorry for themselves.

According to a source on X, the club are now in contact with representatives of Darwin Núñez and Marcus Rashford as they look for a statement alternative.

Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust

Both players would bring something different. Núñez offers chaos, movement and explosive running in behind, while Rashford provides pace, directness and Premier League experience from the left.

Either option would give Newcastle’s attack a different edge, especially if the club want more speed and unpredictability in the final third.

A statement signing now feels necessary

This feels like an important moment for Newcastle’s recruitment team.

Losing out to Liverpool so late is a blow, but the response matters more than the setback itself.

Rashford’s future remains uncertain after Barcelona decided not to activate their permanent option.

Núñez has also been linked with a possible move after his Saudi spell with Premier League clubs monitoring his situation.

The links to Núñez and Rashford are still at an early stage. But after the Muñoz disappointment, Newcastle clearly need a fast and convincing response.

Sources: Unsettled Newcastle United star has three suitors as transfer “expected” 

The post Just in: Newcastle United plot attacking response after painful Liverpool transfer hijack appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Sources: Newcastle have already held talks over Victor Munoz transfer alternatives, including Arsenal duo

18 June 2026 at 15:07

Newcastle United have been exploring alternatives to the Victor Munoz transfer as Liverpool are now understood to have won the race for the Osasuna winger.

Although our sources have confirmed the Magpies entered into advanced talks over signing Munoz, there was also some hesitation about meeting the 22-year-old’s release clause, while Liverpool were happy to pay it and moved quickly to do so.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY

Newcastle have had other options in mind for some time, with Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Cody Gakpo all understood to have been discussed.

As reported recently, Tottenham are interested in Gakpo and could make a move, but Newcastle have also been hovering, and the Munoz blow could lead to them accelerating their interest.

Newcastle ask about Arsenal duo

Some sources have also suggested to me that conversations have already happened between Newcastle and Arsenal as they look for information on the availability of Trossard and Martinelli.

I’m told that NUFC were directly informed that Trossard is in advanced talks over joining Besiktas, as we reported last week, so that deal currently looks unlikely.

Martinelli is also available, however, so Newcastle have been keen to gather information on how much the Brazilian could cost.

Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust

“Newcastle have been exploring other options, they weren’t putting all their eggs into the Munoz basket,” one source explained.

“They’ve asked Arsenal about Trossard and Martinelli. They also like Cody Gakpo, but the current feeling seems to be that Martinelli could be cheaper.

“Nothing’s advanced yet, and Newcastle won’t rush this. They weren’t entirely convinced about meeting Munoz’s release clause, and they’re prepared to wait to find a deal they’re fully convinced strengthens their squad whilst still representing good value for money.”

Nick Woltemade’s Newcastle future in doubt

Newcastle’s interest in a winger comes after Anthony Gordon’s exit, but Nick Woltemade could be on his way out of St James’ Park too.

As I reported earlier today, Woltemade has interest from Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, and Aston Villa.

The Germany international has struggled to settle under Eddie Howe and the club would be prepared to sanction his sale after just one season.

Even if that doesn’t happen, Newcastle’s plan is to make changes up front again this summer after Woltemade and Yoane Wissa failed to adequately replace Alexander Isak after his move to Liverpool.

The post Sources: Newcastle have already held talks over Victor Munoz transfer alternatives, including Arsenal duo appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Medical already done: Liverpool to finalise first Andoni Iraola signing as rival suitors named

18 June 2026 at 13:20

Liverpool reportedly beat rivals such as Manchester United to the transfer of Osasuna winger Victor Munoz, who has already had his medical with the Reds.

The Spain international is at the World Cup with his country, but that didn’t stop him undergoing medical tests with Liverpool yesterday, according to the Liverpool Echo.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY

Munoz had notably been linked strongly with Newcastle United, with BBC Sport claiming that the Magpies were in advanced talks over signing the 22-year-old until Liverpool hijacked the deal.

Now it seems the Liverpool Echo are also aware of Man Utd showing an interest in Munoz, along with Bayer Leverkusen and the player’s former club Real Madrid.

What can Victor Munoz bring to Liverpool?

Munoz is not yet that experienced, and hasn’t been particularly prolific for Osasuna, but he seems like a player with a bright future.

He’s also not going to cost LFC a fortune, so this seems like sensible business, judging by the criteria we use in our Transfer Fit rating system

Victor Munoz TOTAL SCORE: 16/25
Transfer fee ****
Performance **
Achievements *
Career phase ****
Squad need *****

We’ve scored this a medium level 16/25, with Munoz looking like someone arriving at a good stage of his career in a position Liverpool need to strengthen in.

Blessed with pace and skill out wide, Munoz looks like he could at the very least provide new manager Andoni Iraola with a better squad player option than unconvincing performers like Cody Gakpo and Federico Chiesa.

Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust

Still, Liverpool will also surely need to invest big money in a more proven player who can come in straight away and act as the replacement for the departing Mohamed Salah.

While that’s obviously going to be a big ask for almost any player, it seems more like a job for someone with more outstanding numbers and consistent performances at the very highest level, which Munoz just doesn’t quite have under his belt at this moment in time.

The post Medical already done: Liverpool to finalise first Andoni Iraola signing as rival suitors named appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arsenal and Man United learn latest Newcastle United stance on Sandro Tonali

18 June 2026 at 13:13

Arsenal and Manchester United may both admire Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, but any summer move now looks extremely difficult after the Magpies reportedly placed a massive €120m price tag on him.

According to journalist Nicolo Schira, Newcastle are asking €120m to sell the Italy international.

That valuation sends a clear message to interested clubs: Tonali is not being pushed out, and anyone serious about signing him will need to pay elite-level money.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY

For Arsenal, the attraction is obvious. Mikel Arteta’s side have been looking to add more authority and control in midfield, and Tonali would bring exactly that.

He has Premier League experience, Champions League pedigree, defensive discipline and the passing range needed to play in a title-chasing side.

The reason why Man United want Sandro Tonali

Man United’s interest also makes sense, even if the price makes the deal complicated.

United have spent much of the summer looking for midfield upgrades, and Tonali would represent a major statement signing.

Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust

He is aggressive, technically clean and comfortable playing under pressure, qualities United have lacked too often in big matches.

Reports from ESPN have previously linked Arsenal, Man United and Manchester City with the Newcastle star.

However, recent reports from The Sun suggest United may be cautious because of the huge fee and wage demands.

Arsenal face a mountain to climb in Tonali pursuit

Newcastle are in a strong position. Tonali remains one of their most important players, and his contract situation gives the club no reason to sell cheaply.

Sky Sports reported earlier this year that his deal runs until 2029, with an option for a further year.

That means Arsenal and United face a simple but difficult question: is he worth breaking the bank for?

For Arsenal, he could be the final piece in a title-winning midfield. For United, he could become the leader of a new era.

But at €120m, Newcastle have made sure this will not be a simple transfer battle.

Arsenal could launch £100m bid as Arteta seeks game-changing summer addition

The post Arsenal and Man United learn latest Newcastle United stance on Sandro Tonali appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Sources: Unsettled Newcastle United star has three suitors as transfer “expected”

18 June 2026 at 11:36

Newcastle United have been the focus of a lot of the biggest transfer stories so far this summer as Anthony Gordon has left for Barcelona while interest in Sandro Tonali, Tino Livramento, and Lewis Hall continues.

On top of that, another major sale from St James’ Park this summer could be Nick Woltemade, with my sources informing me about three clubs showing a concrete interest in the Germany international, as first reported via the Daily Briefing.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY

It’s no secret that Woltemade struggled in his first season for Newcastle, and my understanding is that there have been some differences in opinion between himself and Eddie Howe about his best position and role in the team.

Nick Woltemade surely leaving Newcastle after difficult debut season

Woltemade’s spell at Newcastle is now seen as being highly likely to be a short one, and my understanding is that Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, and Aston Villa are all keeping an eye on his situation.

There have not been any formal contacts yet, but there’s the sense that these clubs could make approaches soon, with Newcastle open to offers.

“Nick Woltemade is expected to leave,” one source with ties to the agents industry told me. “Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, and Villa are interested, and Newcastle will listen to offers. One issue, though, is that they’re keen on a permanent sale for around €65m, but for now it’s probably more likely that clubs will seek a loan with an option to buy.”

Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust

Big clubs like Bayern Munich were keen on Woltemade before he made the move to Newcastle, which was seen as a real coup for the Magpies at the time.

It could still be that the 24-year-old can revive his career, but it’s unlikely to happen for him in Howe’s tactical set-up.

“Woltemade’s camp have not been entirely happy with how his development’s been handled under Howe,” one source said.

“The manager has given slightly mixed messages about his best position, initially saying he sees him as a number 9 but then using him in midfield. I’m just not sure there’s a future there without a more fixed tactical plan and proper clarity about what the manager wants from him.”

It’s worth noting that other sources played this down and simply suggested that Woltemade’s struggles have not been anything abnormal and can mostly be put down to adapting to a new league and country.

Almost everyone I’ve spoken to, however, thinks it’s inevitable that they’ll go their separate ways this summer.

The post Sources: Unsettled Newcastle United star has three suitors as transfer “expected” appeared first on CaughtOffside.

“Hijack done” – Fabrizio Romano confirms sudden Liverpool signing, medical can be done at World Cup

18 June 2026 at 09:13

Liverpool have reportedly made a surprise move to hijack Newcastle United’s transfer pursuit of Osasuna winger Victor Munoz.

According to Fabrizio Romano on X, the Reds have suddenly triggered Munoz’s release clause despite Newcastle having been in advanced talks over signing the Spain international.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY

“EXCLUSIVE: Liverpool are set to sign Víctor Muñoz with HIJACK done, HERE WE GO!” Romano posted.

“Newcastle in advanced talks for days but #LFC enter the deal, verbally agree terms with Muñoz and activate €40m release clause.

“All set to be signed and another big surprise.”

?? EXCLUSIVE: Liverpool are set to sign Víctor Muñoz with HIJACK done, HERE WE GO! ???

Newcastle in advanced talks for days but #LFC enter the deal, verbally agree terms with Muñoz and activate €40m release clause.

All set to be signed and another big surpise. ? pic.twitter.com/iKjFWsR1nx

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 17, 2026

Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust

Munoz has impressed in La Liga, and the 22-year-old is already a part of the Spanish national team squad for this summer’s World Cup.

More info on Liverpool’s Victor Munoz hijack

According to further information from BBC Sport, Liverpool already have staff ready in the United States so that Munoz can undergo a medical while he’s with Spain for the World Cup.

Munoz looks set to cost LFC just £34.6m, so it looks like they may have got themselves a real bargain there.

At the same time, some fans might also view this as a bit of a gamble on a player for the future, as he’s still relatively inexperienced and only scored seven goals in all competitions last season – hardly the kind of numbers that suggest he’s a Mohamed Salah replacement.

This could prove to be good business in the long run, but Liverpool will also surely need to invest bigger money in a more genuine world class talent who’s ready to come in and hit the ground running straight away.

Newcastle, meanwhile, will no doubt be frustrated to miss out on Munoz as they’ve just sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona, so could’ve done with bringing this player in as a replacement.

The post “Hijack done” – Fabrizio Romano confirms sudden Liverpool signing, medical can be done at World Cup appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Spurs told it would cost club record fee to sign exceptional Premier League midfielder

17 June 2026 at 15:00

Tottenham are trying to make a splash this summer, and signing Sandro Tonali would do just that for them.

If you enjoy CaughtOffside coverage and want to see more of it, add us as a preferred source on Google to make us a favourite and see more of our content.

After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, Tottenham are making big moves to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

They’ve already bought a couple of players, and have bids for others in. A very ambitious move being talked about now is one for Sandro Tonali of Newcastle.

Tottenham ready to spend big to avoid more relegation fears

Matt Barlow of the Daily Mail has some very interesting coverage of the interest where he points out that signing Tonli is going to shatter Spurs’ existing record for transfer fee paid.

Dom Solanke cost them £65m in 2024, but Tonali will be a lot more. He’s 26 and has multiple years left on his contract. Barlow points out that, if Elliot Anderson goes to Manchester City for £100m, Tonali is unlikely to go for much less.

It would be a sign of Spurs’ determination to move away from the relegation zone and back towards competing for Europe under new manager Roberto de Zerbi, who seems to be a key factor in the push for Tonali.

In other news…

Morgan Rogers could be on the move this summer – but Arsenal will need him to start pushing for a move himself as they try to bring down a potentially massive transfer fee.

Luka Vuskovic is a name which is going to become very familiar to a lot of people this summer as a number of Premier League teams try to sign him.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON THE APP STORE

The post Spurs told it would cost club record fee to sign exceptional Premier League midfielder appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Aston Villa handed transfer boost as Newcastle face difficult winger decision

16 June 2026 at 09:53

Aston Villa could have an interesting transfer opportunity this summer, with Newcastle United winger Harvey Barnes reportedly keen on a move to Villa Park ahead of the new season.

According to Football Insider, the 28-year-old would be happy to join Villa, with former Villa chief executive Keith Wyness suggesting the player’s family situation could also play a part in any potential move.

That gives Villa a useful boost, especially as Unai Emery looks to add more pace, goals and Premier League experience to his squad.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY

Barnes feels like a very Emery-style target. He is direct, sharp in transition and already proven in English football.

He may not be the flashiest name on the market, but he knows the league, can play off the left and has a strong record of scoring from wide areas.

Newcastle United do not want to weaken

The problem for Villa is Newcastle’s stance. A separate report from Football Insider claims Eddie Howe wants to keep Barnes and views him as an important player for next season, especially after Anthony Gordon’s departure.

Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust

That makes the situation complicated. Newcastle may need to reshape their squad, but selling another attacking player would create a new problem.

Barnes is currently one of their most natural left-sided options, and Howe will not want to lose him unless the offer is too good to reject.

A move that could suit Aston Villa perfectly

For Aston Villa, this is still one to watch closely.

Barnes joined Newcastle from Leicester in 2023 and remains under contract until 2028, according to Transfermarkt, so Newcastle are in a strong position.

However, Villa can offer an ambitious project, European football and a manager who has a clear attacking structure.

Barnes also showed his quality last season, including a match-winning double against Manchester City, as reported by Reuters.

Villa have encouragement from the player’s side, but Newcastle still hold the power. This could come down to price.

Aston Villa preparing offer as Arsenal join race for €50m-rated Spanish prodigy

The post Aston Villa handed transfer boost as Newcastle face difficult winger decision appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Sources: Spanish winger ready to reject Man United & Liverpool move for PL rivals

16 June 2026 at 09:26

Newcastle United appear to have beaten Manchester United and Liverpool to the front of the queue for Osasuna winger Víctor Muñoz, with the Spanish attacker convinced by the project at St James’ Park.

Newcastle are in advanced talks over a deal worth around €35m plus €5m in bonuses, sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside.

That package would take the total value close to Osasuna’s €40m asking price and could make him one of the club’s most exciting attacking signings of the summer.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY

For Man United and Liverpool, this is a frustrating setback. Both clubs had been linked with the 22-year-old, but Newcastle have offered something more convincing, a clear role, regular minutes and a direct pathway into Eddie Howe’s attacking plans.

Why Man United and Liverpool lost the race

Muñoz’s priority has always been game time, and that is where Newcastle seem to have made the strongest case.

With Anthony Gordon’s future uncertain, there is a clear opening on the wing, and Newcastle have moved quickly to show the player he would not simply be another squad option.

Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust

Reports from AS also suggest Muñoz has prioritised continuity and minutes, despite interest from clubs such as Manchester United, Liverpool and Barcelona.

That makes this feel less like a bidding-war defeat and more like a sporting rejection for United and Liverpool.

Real Madrid are still involved

Real Madrid remain part of the story because of the clauses they kept when selling Muñoz to Osasuna.

Madrid hold a low buy-back option, while several reports also point to a major sell-on clause.

Madrid are not expected to bring him back this summer, but they are still set to profit from any Newcastle deal.

CaughtOffside has also reported that Newcastle are optimistic about completing the transfer quickly.

For Newcastle, this would be a statement signing. For Man United and Liverpool, it is another reminder that Newcastle’s project now has serious pulling power.

Liverpool explore creative swap deal in race for £60m-rated midfield gem

The post Sources: Spanish winger ready to reject Man United & Liverpool move for PL rivals appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Chelsea make contact with Man United target as they plot surprise transfer hijack – report

15 June 2026 at 02:29

Chelsea have reportedly made contact with Newcastle to sign Lewis Hall as per the latest from a prominent ITK on X.

The 21-year-old left-back has experienced a meteoric rise since trading Stamford Bridge for St James’ Park, drawing heavy structural interest from several Premier League heavyweights ahead of the summer transfer window.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY

Chelsea join race to sign Lewis Hall

According to updates shared by prominent insider on X, Chelsea have formally re-entered the picture by initiating contact regarding Hall.

The dynamic defender originally left West London for Newcastle in a deal worth up to £35 million, but his parent academy club is now keeping close tabs on his situation.

However, a dramatic return to Stamford Bridge is far from a formality. The report notes that Chelsea’s hierarchy will still “need a lot of convincing” before committing to a definitive, high-stakes bid to re-sign the talented fullback.

The ITK posted the following:

“Exclusive: We can confirm that @ChelseaFC have contacted Manchester United target Lewis Hall. Chelsea will need a lot of convincing to sign the Newcastle United player. Manchester United are still leading the race to sign the player.”

Man United favourites to sign Hall

Despite Chelsea checking in on their former academy graduate, Manchester United remain the definitive frontrunners in the battle for his signature.

The Red Devils have long identified the £50 million-rated defender as a vital, long-term successor to Luke Shaw on the left side of their backline.

Old Trafford officials have reportedly kept active dialogue alive with the player’s camp over recent days.

Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust

Hall is understood to be highly admired by United’s recruitment department, fitting the exact profile of young, elite Premier League talent INEOS wishes to sign.

With Newcastle facing the reality of a season without European football, temptation is building for the youngster to explore his options.

While Chelsea retain a watching brief, all indicators suggest Old Trafford remains Hall’s most likely destination if a summer move materialises.

The post Chelsea make contact with Man United target as they plot surprise transfer hijack – report appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Everton and Newcastle tracking Chelsea’s next breakout star this summer

14 June 2026 at 19:00

Everton are involved in a three-way transfer battle for the signature of Chelsea teenage attacker Sol Gordon.

Sol Gordon’s impressive performances at the youth level have attracted significant interest from Premier League clubs. Chelsea might struggle to hold onto the teenager, as contract renewal talks haven’t gone according to plan.

According to a report from Football Insider, Everton, Bournemouth and Newcastle are all after the signature of Gordon. All three clubs are closely monitoring his situation and will look to pounce on any opportunity to lure him away from Stamford Bridge.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY

Sol Gordon could leave Chelsea this summer

While the 18-year-old right-winger is yet to make his first-team debut, he has been doing wonders for Chelsea at the youth level. He enjoyed an outstanding campaign for the Blues’ Under-18s last season, helping them clinch the title. He finished with 11 goals and six assists from 28 games and also featured for their Under-21s a couple of times.

Gordon is quite highly regarded by people at Stamford Bridge, and they want to ensure he continues at the club. However, with his contract set to expire in 12 months and contract renewal talks stalling, there is a high chance he will be on the move this summer.

Watch: Man Utd and Chelsea target Felix Nmecha scores stunning Germany goal after Florian Wirtz link-up

Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust

Premier League trio are after Gordon’s signature

Everton, Bournemouth and Newcastle are all waiting in the wings for the perfect opportunity to try and strike a deal for the teenager. They consider the versatile forward a great option for the long run and want to add him to their squads this summer.

While he might not have played first-team football at Chelsea, the trio could offer him a shorter route to the senior team in an attempt to lure him. However, the Blues could still look to agree fresh terms with him in the coming weeks.

Chelsea make contact with Man United target as they plot surprise transfer hijack – report

The post Everton and Newcastle tracking Chelsea’s next breakout star this summer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

❌
❌