RAFAEL BENITEZ is on the verge of landing a goalkeeper being tracked by Premier League new-boys Middlesbrough too.

The Magpies have moved swiftly to try to beat the competition to the signature of Gent goalkeeper Matz Sels.

Leicester City and Southampton had been weighing up a move for the 24-year-old, while Middlesbrough had him on a list of goalkeeper options to target this summer.

But Benitez was first to move and, according to sources in Belgium, the player has been won over by the Newcastle’s boss’ persuasive powers and ambitions for the Magpies.

Sels has not been put off by the prospect of playing in the Championship next season, even though he has been a key performer for Gent in helping them to the league title last year.

He is due to fly into Newcastle today to finalise a £4.5m deal and he will become Benitez’s first signing of the summer ahead of pre-season training starting on Friday.

Sels’ arrival will cast further doubt over the futures of Tim Krul and Rob Elliot. Krul in particular has strong interest from Crystal Palace and Everton.

Benitez is happy to listen to offers for his players, knowing substantial offers will boost his own rebuilding job this summer.

There are expected to be a number of departures, with Krul, Georginio Wijnaldum and Moussa Sissoko three of the most likely to follow Steven Taylor out of the St James’ Park exit door following relegation from the Premier League.