Yoshinori Muto will get another chance to show what he can do for Newcastle United this weekend.
The Japan international will play either against York City or Harrogate in Sunday's synchronized friendly matches in North Yorkshire.
Muto will also be afforded game-time in the early part of pre-season with Andy Carroll's absence from the club's official training galleries effectively confirming his summer exit.
Although, Newcastle are yet to announce formally that Carroll is no longer part of their plans and the Geordie striker has not said farewell via any of his social media channels.
Carroll did hold talks earlier this summer about a possible extension but with the budget tighter than usual at St James' Park, he could join Christian Atsu and Henri Saivet on the released list.
Carroll has been back in the North-East over the summer but has also been supporting England's Euro 2020 bid at Wembley.
He had been open to staying at United for the 2021/22 season but Newcastle will start pre-season with Callum Wilson, Dwight Gayle, Joelinton and the returning Muto as their four main strikers.
Muto spent last season on loan at Eibar where he scored three goals as they were relegated from La Liga.
His last appearance for Newcastle came in the Covid-hit 2019/20 campaign when he appeared in a 5-0 drubbing at Manchester City.
Now 29, Muto will start pre-season looking to build on what has been a disappointing stint at United after a £9.5million move from Mainz 05 in 2018.
