Steve Bruce confirms imminent Newcastle United departure

Muto, signed two years ago from Mainz, has been told that he’s not in Steve Bruce's plans for this season.

And the 28-year-old today travelled to Spain to complete a loan move to La Liga club Eibar.

“Muto will probably join a club in Spain over the next 24 hours,” said head coach Steve Bruce. “We've seen Flo Lejeune go out (to Alaves). As I've said at the moment, we've got something like 28 players, and I can only name 22 in three weeks' time, so there will be one or two who need to go and play.

“Their understanding is exactly the same as me. A footballer, if you're not going to play, or you're not going to be involved in the 22, then it's a dark place to be in, so we want to try to avoid that if we can.”