MAGPIES READY TO WELCOME MUTO

Chief Newcastle United Writer NEWCASTLE United have confirmed that Japan international Yoshinori Muto has all but completed his move to Tyneside.

The Chronicle brought you the news yesterday afternoon that Muto has agreed personal terms and passed his medical.

He is now just awaiting a work permit.

A Toon statement read: “An agreement has been formalised between the Magpies and Muto’s current club, FSV Mainz 05, and the player has undergone a medical and agreed personal terms.

“The transfer is now subject to the player being issued with a Governing Body Endorsement, which will be determined at a hearing to take place later next week.”

Muto’s arrival was announced little more than 24 hours after Newcastle sealed the signing of Swiss international Fabian Schar.

The Japanese international forward’s move could hasten Aleksandar Mitrov’s exit from the club although talks are still ongoing between Newcastle and Fulham over the Serbia international’s future.

Mitrovic only returned to training this week following his exploits at the World Cup in Russia but he has travelled with the Newcastle squad for their mini-tour of Portugal.

The Magpies will take on Portuguese champions Porto on Saturday before taking on Braga on Wednesday evening.