NEWCASTLE UNITED HAVE announced the signing of Japan international Yoshinori Muto from Bundesliga side Mainz.

Muto comes to St James’ Park on an initial four-year contract after he was granted a work permit at a hearing today, the Premier League club have confirmed.

The striker becomes the fifth players to link up with the Magpies ahead of their 2018/19 campaign in the English top flight.

“I am very happy to be a player for Newcastle United,” the 25-time capped Japan international told Newcastle’s official website. “I am really looking forward to playing in front of the fans.

“As the first Japanese Newcastle United player, I am honoured to be a player for such a big club. I hope to achieve good results – that is what I am here to do. I would like to perform well and leave my name in Newcastle’s history.”

Manager Rafa Benítez added: “I am really pleased to have Yoshinori Muto with us. We were following him for quite a while.

We are delighted to announce that Japan international Yoshinori Muto has completed a move to Newcastle United after he was granted a work permit at a hearing today. #NUFC pic.twitter.com/eB7qAoxtsa

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) August 2, 2018

“Hopefully he can bring us his energy and work-rate and help the team to improve and be better for the new season.”

Muto moved to Maiz from his hometown club FC Tokyo in 2015, and he appeared once for his country at the recent World Cup in Russia.

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