Matz Sels left out of Newcastle squad

Rafa Benitez's side take on the Championship club at the KCOM Stadium tonight.

Sels, wanted by Strasbourg, played in Newcastle's first pre-season friendly – last week's 2-0 win over St Patrick's Athletic – and spoke about his future after the game.

The 26-year-old goalkeeper, signed two years ago from Gent, spent last season on loan at Anderlecht.

“It’s nice to be back at Newcastle,” said Sels. “I had a great year at Anderlecht last season, and I have come back stronger.

“We will see what the new season will bring with me in a stronger position in myself.

“It’s true that I want to be a success here. In the beginning, it’s difficult, because you have to adapt to a new style of play, and also it was my first time abroad.

“I think I’m stronger now, but we will see what the possibilities will be in the coming weeks.

“Maybe there are clubs who will show interest, and we’ll see, because there are five at training and that is too many.”

Sels is wanted by a number of clubs, and United are understood to be "close" to finalising a move for Sels, who has three years left on his contract.

Benitez took five goalkeepers – Sels, Martin Dubravka, Rob Elliot, Karl Darlow and Freddie Woodman – to this month's training camp in Ireland.

Meanwhile, former Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul has joined Norwich City on a free transfer.