Get the latest NUFC transfer and takeover news straight to your inbox for FREE by signing up to our newsletter Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Newcastle United are set to make their first signing of the summer – Gent goalkeeper Matz Sels.

The former Belgium under-21 goalkeeper is flying to Newcastle today ahead of completing a move to United in the next 24 hours. The 24-year-old has played over 100 games for Gent in the Belgian top flight and was involved with the Belgium senior squad in recent Euro 2016 qualifiers against Andorra and Israel.

He will cost around £4.5million and is seen as a potential No 1, with doubts over the future of Tim Krul and Rob Elliot still recovering from a serious injury. Newcastle already have Karl Darlow who will battle with Sels for the No 1 slot while Freddie Woodman looks likely to go out on loan.

Newcastle are hoping to make several signings to add to their squad in the next few days and ideally would have liked to bolster key positions like centre-back and up front first – but Rafa Benitez has moved to bring in a player who has the potential to get better and also bolster the Magpies in the Championship.

Sels is flying into Tyneside this morning and could complete the move as early as tomorrow as United make a breakthrough in the market. Middlesbrough were also interested in the goalkeeper.