Sack face: Rafa Benitez has been dismissed as Real Madrid manager

Benitez given emphatic answer in bid to beat Aston Villa to Spanish striker sensation

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Published on:

18 Jun 2016, 9:21 am

By Tom Blackburn

Newcastle and Aston Villa have lost out to Celta Vigo in their pursuit of Spain-based striker Jose Naranjo, it was confirmed on Saturday.

Football Insider reported on Thursday night that Spanish radio station claimed Newcastle were ready to trigger the release clause of Naranjo, while Villa were also said to have tabled a bid for the forward.

But the two English clubs have missed out after La Liga club Celta announced on their official Twitter account on Saturday that they had won the race to sign Naranjo from Gimnastic de Tarragona.

José Naranjo: potencia, calidad, gol y mucho futuro en el primer fichaje del #Celta 16/17 https://t.co/MjZbsor8yY pic.twitter.com/aYALRjmVXE
— Celta (@RCCelta) June 17, 2016

Naranjo had a prolific season in 2015-16, scoring 16 goals and supplying five assists in 38 matches for second-tier side Gimnastic.

The Spaniard's prolific forward play was integral to the club finishing third in the Segunda table.

It is reported Naranjo had a £2.38million release clause in the deal he signed when joining from Recreativo in 2015, a fee well within the budget of relegated Premier League pair Villa and Newcastle.

But Celta Vigo have signed Naranjo even though he had two years remaining on the contract that he signed 12 months ago.

In other Newcastle news, Italian club Roma have stepped up their pursuit of Georginio Wijnaldum and are willing to meet the Magpies' staggering asking price.

Newcastle United

Aston Villa