Greek Super League club Aris Thessaloniki are in 'advanced' talks with Newcastle United's Yoshinori Muto about a potential transfer, according to Sportime

The lowdown

Newcastle paid £9.5m to sign Muto from Bundesliga outfit Mainz in 2019 after he had been directly involved in 30 goals in 66 appearances in the German top-flight (20 goals, 10 assists).

However, he was unable to produce that kind of form at St James' Park, finding the net just twice in his 28 appearances since making the move to Tyneside.

The 29-year-old, who's now valued at just £2.25m, spent the 2020/21 season on loan at Eibar in La Liga. He only scored one league goal in 1,117 minutes of football in the Spanish top flight and they finished bottom of the pile.

However, former Eibar boss Jose Luis Mendilibar said he was more concerned with the work-rate from the striker than his goal figures, and insisted that Muto had done a 'sensational job' (via Chronicle Live).

The latest

Sportime said that negotiations with the Japanese ace have progressed as they hope to agree personal terms. They would then need to present Newcastle with an acceptable offer for the stiker.

The report added that 'now is a good time' for him to find a new club as he enters the final 12 months of his contract at St James' Park.

The verdict

It's clear that Muto's time at Newcastle is up. Backup options to Callum Wilson isn't an immediate concern for Steve Bruve, with Joelinton able to play that role and Dwight Gayle also on their books if needed.

Ultimately, Muto hasn't done enough to suggest that he would be a valuable part of the Magpies' squad.

It'll be tricky for Newcastle to secure any significant sum from his sale given his contract situation and meagre goal return, but at least they would free up £54,000 per week from their wage bill from moving him on.

In other news, read this pundit's prediction on when the takeover process will be concluded.