Newcastle set to complete deal as Aleksandar Mitrovic sweats on move

The Mainz striker, 26, travelled to Tyneside from Tokyo yesterday after the two clubs agreed a £9.5million fee.

Muto – who went to the World Cup with Japan – will undergo a medical and could travel to Portugal with his team-mates for tomorrow’s game against Porto.

Mainz sporting director Rouven Schroder: “We are holding constructive talks with Newcastle United and have, basically, come to an agreement.

“There are still a few important details to clear up, but we are confident that we will reach a final decision on a transfer soon.

“Both parties are largely in agreement regarding the conditions of the contract, but there are still some time-consuming formalities regarding the transfer itself to be dealt with.”

The move comes as United striker Aleksandar Mitrovic waits on developments on his own future. Fulham are yet to meet Newcastle’s £18million valuation of their former loanee.

Speaking earlier this week, United manager Rafa Benitez said: “We need to check on how he is, and then we will decide if he will go to Portugal.”

Meanwhile, United yesterday sold Matz Sels to Strasbourg. The goalkeeper, signed from Gent two years ago, was loaned to Anderlecht last season after losing his place in Benitez’s team during the club’s Championship-winning campaign.

Sels – who had three years left to run on his Newcastle deal – had started Newcastle’s first pre-season friendly, the 2-0 win over Dublin side St Patrick’s Athletic.

The 26-yeaqr-old’s departure leaves Benitez with four goalkeepers – Martin Dubravka, Karl Darlow, Rob Elliot and Freddie Woodman.

Woodman, 21, is likely to be loaned out again this season, leaving Dubravka, Darlow and Elliot at the club.

Benitez sold defender Chancel Mbemba to Porto earlier this week.