Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez set to make swoop for Mainz striker Yoshinori Muto
Japan star is 25-year-old is out of contract in 2019 and has bagged seven goals for the strugglers this season
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NEWCASTLE UNITED reportedly want to sign Japanese striker Yoshinori Muto from Mainz this summer.
The 25-year-old has shone this campaign despite his side’s relegation fight.
Muto has bagged seven goals in 17 top-flight matches over in Germany.
claims those exploits have caught the attention of Rafa Benitez and the Magpies.
The report also states that Muto views a switch to the Premier League as a “dream move”.
And that means that Newcastle could make his wish come true at the end of the season.
Muto has been with Mainz since 2014 after arriving from FC Tokyo in his home city.
Newcastle are desperate for extra firepower and that will be Benitez’s main priority if he can keep them in top-flight.
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Aleksandar Mitrovic was allowed to join Fulham on loan in January and he seems certain to depart St. James’ Park on a permanent basis.
Islam Slimani was brought in from Leicester as his replacement, but injury has so far prevented the forward from making an appearance.
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And that makes it highly unlikely that the North East outfit will pursue their interest in him.
That means Benitez will have space and funds raised from the sale of Mitrovic to bring in another hitman.
Muto only has one-year remaining on his contract with Mainz.
But the Germans would still be looking for a significant profit on the £2.5m they shelled out for him in 2015.
Newcastle are currently four points above the drop zone.
They face a crunch clash with relegation rivals Huddersfield at St. James' Park on Saturday.
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