NEWCASTLE

Newcastle United are hoping to complete the £9m capture of Yoshinori Muto in the next 24 hours, with the Japanese striker having travelled to England to sort out his future.

Muto will leave Mainz this summer, with the German side having been in discussions with a number of clubs about a possible sale.

Newcastle are confident of being able to complete a £9m deal, despite competing interest from West Ham, and Muto is set to travel to the Magpies’ training ground for personal talks.

Speaking to the Japanese media at Haneda Airport, Muto said: “I can’t say yet, but I should be able to deliver good news soon.

“I believe I’ll grow as a player if I put myself in a competitive environment.”

A versatile forward who can play as a central striker or a wide attacker, Muto began his career in his native Japan with FC Tokyo.

He joined Mainz on a four-year deal in 2015, and has performed creditably in the Bundesliga in the last three seasons.

The 26-year-old boasts 25 senior international caps for Japan, and made one appearance at the recent World Cup in Russia.

Newcastle are set to complete two signings ahead of their pre-season trip to Portugal, with Swiss defender Fabian Schar having agreed a £3m switch from Deportivo La Coruna.

The Northern Echo: England's Wayne Rooney (centre) and Switzerland's Fabian Schar during the UEFA European Qualifying match at Wembley Stadium, London. ... Soccer - UEFA Euro 2016 - Qualifying - Group E - England v Switzerland - Wembley Stadium ... 08-09-2015 ... Lo

Newcastle triggered a relegation release clause in the centre-half’s contract in Spain, with Schar set to replace Chancel Mbemba, who left Tyneside to join Porto in a €6m move.


MIDDLESBROUGH

Wolves pursuit of Adama Traore is gathering pace, with the Molineux club expected to formally trigger a buyout clause in the winger’s contract in the next few days.

Boro will be powerless to prevent Traore leaving if Wolves meet the terms of the Spaniard’s buyout, which are understood to feature a fee of around £18m.

Traore would have to agree to a move to the Midlands, but the chance of playing in the Premier League would have obvious appeal.

Huddersfield Town have also been monitoring Traore closely all summer, but Wolves are leading the race for his signature and are expected to be the first club to make a formal move.

The Northern Echo:

Boro will look to replace Traore if he leaves, with Pulis having assessed a number of different options in the wide positions.

Leeds United have been linked with a possible move for Patrick Bamford, although Boro do not want to sell the striker.

Leeds have spent most of the summer pursuing Matej Vydra and Abel Hernandez, but sources in West Yorkshire claim they will attempt to sign Bamford if moves for their leading two targets fail.


SUNDERLAND

Sunderland finally made an attacking breakthrough last night as Jerome Sinclair signed a season-long loan from Watford – but Jack Ross wants to bring in at least one more forward before the transfer window closes in two weeks’ time.

The Black Cats’ £1m bid for Bradford striker Charlie Wyke remains on the table, although Bantams officials continue to insist they do not have to sell the former Middlesbrough trainee.

Sunderland have also made inquiries about Brighton striker Sam Baldock, who is available for around £1m, although Championship side Reading are also interested in the 28-year-old.

Stewart Donald has admitted he might have to start “forcing the issue” as he looks to complete his overhaul, and the Black Cats are ready to approach a couple of alternative targets if they conclude their pursuit of Wyke is dead in the water.

Sinclair’s arrival at least reduces some of the pressure ahead of Sunderland’s League One opener with Charlton Athletic, with the 21-year-old on board for the whole of next season.

A former Liverpool trainee, Sinclair has made nine senior appearances for Watford in the last two years.

Ross said: “We need more players in the forward areas, and Jerome is somebody who fits into that bracket as he can play in multiple positions across the front line.

“I’m pleased to get him in, and he’s at a stage in his career where he needs to play games, so he’s hungry to prove himself and he’s got a big opportunity here to do that.”