Newcastle United might listen to any approach that is made for wantaway forward Yoshinori Muto in the January transfer window, according to the Chronicle.
The newspaper claims that Muto, 27, has dropped down the pecking order at St James’ Park and would be open to a move away in the winter amid his lack of game-time.
Muto has made six appearances across all competitions for Newcastle this season but has started just once in the Premier League and has featured in just one of Steve Bruce’s last five matchday squads.
OPINION
Muto was signed by Rafa Benitez in the summer of 2018 but since then, the Japan international has only managed to make 24 appearances in total and has only hit the back of the net on two occasions. His goalscoring record was not that great before the Magpies signed him so his lack of goals in the North-East is hardly a surprise and Bruce cannot be blamed for wanting to improve his striker options in the summer. Joelinton, Andy Carroll and Dwight Gayle are all above Muto in the striker pecking order at St James’ Park and unless there any injuries or suspensions, it’s hard to see the ex-Mainz forward even getting on the bench, let alone a game. One saving grace for Muto could be if Gayle leaves in January amid speculation about him returning to West Brom. However he would still find himself third choice if that were to happen. Maybe it is best for him to move on.
