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Newcastle United hope to have Yoshinori Muto on board as their new striker by the end of the week.

The club are expecting a decision in the next few days as they wait for the relevant paperwork, which in this case is an FA Governing Body Endorsement.

Muto has agreed terms, passed his medical and a fee of £9.5million has been arranged between Mainz and Newcastle .

(Image: Getty Images AsiaPac)

He now awaits his work permit and his case to be granted it will be heard by an FA Exceptions Panel.

Muto could be in contention for his debut against Augsburg but Rafa Benitez will make an assessment on his fitness levels when United return from Portugal after their clash with SC Braga.

A United statement last week read: “An agreement has been formalised between the Magpies and Muto’s current club, FSV Mainz 05, and the player has undergone a medical and agreed personal terms.

“The transfer is now subject to the player being issued with a Governing Body Endorsement.”

Benitez is also eagerly anticipating his arrival and said: “Muto is done but it’s just waiting for the work permit. He played in the World Cup in a good team.

“He has done well in the Bundesliga so we are talking about a striker that is doing well in the last few years at international level.

“He has quality and can bring us energy and good movement plus the intensity you need. I don’t see any problem with him.”