LONDON: Japan forward Yoshinori Muto is set to join Newcastle United from Mainz after the clubs struck a deal and the player agreed terms and had a medical, the Premier League team said on Friday. Muto, who was part of Japan’s World Cup squad in Russia where he featured in the defeat by Poland, has been on Tyneside ahead the proposed move, which is subject to a work permit. The English FA is due to hear the case next week to decide if Muto, who has not recently been a regular starter for Japan, should be granted permission to join the Magpies. “The transfer is now subject to the player being issued with a Governing Body Endorsement, which will be determined next week,” Newcastle said. Published in Daily Times, July 29th 2018.