Newcastle United close in on Gent goalkeeper Sels

Zach Holland
Matz Sels: Expected to sign for Newcastle.

Matz Sels: Expected to sign for Newcastle.

Newcastle United look set to win the race to sign Gent goalkeeper Matz Sels, despite interest from Leicester and Southampton, according to reports.

The former Belgian under-21 international looks set to be Rafa Benitez’s first signing since taking over the reigns at St’ James’ Park.

According to reports made by the Chronicle, the Magpies are set wrap up the £4million transfer sometime today after beating off interest from other Premier League clubs including, Leicester and Southampton.

The report adds that Newcastle are also in talks with two other players as well as Sels, who is already undergoing a medical with the club after already agreeing personal terms and is expected to be announced as Benitez’s first signing at some point today.

The 24-year-old was voted Belgium’s goalkeeper of the season for the 2015/2016 season and starred for Gent during the Champions League but was still a suprise exclusion from Belgium’s Euro 2016 squad.

The highly-rated stopper signed for Gent in 2014 and went on to make 102 appearances for the club and was also part of the team which won the Belgian Premier League in 2015 for Gent.

It looks now though as if Sels will now compete with Karl Darlow for the number one spot at Newcastle, with recent speculation of current number one Tim Krul leaving the club over the summer.