Newcastle nearing Yoshinori Muto deal as Japanese World Cup star edges closer to £9m switch
Mainz striker is nearing St James' Park as Rafa Benitez looks to add to squad before transfer window closes
NEWCASTLE are reportedly closing in on a £9million deal for Japan’s World Cup striker Yoshinori Muto.
The Mail claims the Magpies are deep in talks with his German club Mainz and the 26-year-old could be unveiled before the end of the week.
Muto impressed during his time in Russia and now looks set to become Rafa Benitez’s fourth signing of the summer after winger Kenedy, midfielder Ki Sung-yueng and goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
Newcastle had been exploring the possibility of a loan move for West Brom’s Salomon Rondon, with Dwight Gayle heading in the opposite direction.
But the Baggies are set to extend the Venezuelan’s contract by another season and will consider selling him next summer in 2019.
Newcastle continue to hold talks with Fulham over Aleksandr Mitrovic, who enjoyed a successful loan spell as the Cottagers rejoined the top flight.
But the clubs are yet to agree on a fee for the Serbia international, who could yet end up staying at St James’ Park.
Meanwhile, Benitez is also closing in on a move for Swiss defender Fabian Schar.
The Deportivo La Coruna centre-back is expected to undergo a medical this week ahead of a £3.5million switch.
And he will arrive at the club as a direct replacement for Chancel Mbemba, who has been sold to Portuguese champions Porto.
