Newcastle linked with move for World Cup striker

The Daily Mirror claim that Rafa Benitez is interested in signing the Japan international.

Muto – who faced Newcastle last pre-season – has been an unused substitute for his country's first two World Cup games.

The 25-year-old is reportedly valued at around £14million by Mainz.

Muto has scored 20 Bundesliga goals since joining them from FC Tokyo three years ago.

Meanwhile, West Bromwich Albion have been linked with a move for Newcastle winger Rolando Aarons, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Hellas Verona.

Aarons – whose career at United has been hit by a series of injuries – faces an uncertain future at the club.

The 22-year-old is under contract at St James's Park until 2021.