YOSHINORI MUTO is expected to complete a loan move to Spanish side Eibar in the next 24 hours.

The Japanese striker will be the first of a number of fringe players who are set to leave Newcastle within the next couple of weeks.

Muto has been the subject of interest from a couple of clubs in the German Bundesliga, but has agreed to move to La Liga to join Eibar, where he will link up with fellow Japan international Takashi Inui.

The 28-year-old striker joined Newcastle in a £9.5m move from German club Mainz in July 2018, but has scored just two goals in 28 senior appearances for the Magpies.

Steve Bruce has told a number of his fringe players to look for another club before the transfer window closes at the start of next month.

DeAndre Yedlin, Dan Barlaser, Henri Saivet, Jacob Murphy and Christian Atsu are all available for transfer as they are unlikely to secure a place in Newcastle's 25-man Premier League squad that has to be submitted next month.

The Magpies return to action this evening when they host Championship side Blackburn Rovers in the second round of the Carabao Cup.