Last updated on .From the section European Football

Yoshinori Muto (left) began his career at FC Tokyo before joining Mainz in 2015

Newcastle United have signed Japan striker Yoshinori Muto from Mainz on a four-year deal.

The 26-year-old, who is the Magpies' fifth summer signing, scored eight goals for Mainz last season as they avoided relegation from the Bundesliga.

Muto was in Japan's World Cup squad for Russia but made only one appearance - in the 1-0 Group H defeat by Poland.

"As the first Japanese Newcastle United player, I am honoured to be a player for such a big club," he said.

"I hope to achieve good results - that is what I am here to do. I would like to perform well and leave my name in Newcastle's history."

Muto signed after being granted a work permit on Thursday.

His fee is reported to be £9.5m external-link and boosts the options for a team who scored 39 Premier League goals in 2017-18, the second fewest of the top 14.

His arrival follows that of Switzerland defender Fabian Schar from Deportivo La Coruna last week, while Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez has signed goalkeeper Martin Dubravka on a permanent contract following a six-month loan spell.

The Magpies have also added former Swansea midfielder Ki Sung-yueng on a free transfer and Chelsea midfielder Kenedy has returned on a season-long loan deal after the Brazilian had a successful six-month spell during the last campaign.

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