---
title: "Benitez keen to sign £14m-rated World Cup forward"
canonical: "https://readnewcastle.com/2018/06/27/benitez-keen-to-sign-14m-rated-world-cup-forward/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ryan Darby"
section: "Feature Writers"
published: "2018-06-27T13:10:13Z"
modified: "2018-06-27T13:10:13Z"
---

# Benitez keen to sign £14m-rated World Cup forward

Rafa Benitez is considering a move for Japan forward Yoshinori Muto, according to the [Mirror](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/transfer-news-live-liverpool-manchester-12748653).

The report claims that the forward, who is valued at £14 million, is wanted by the Premier League side as Benitez goes in search of an added source of goals to his squad.

Muto is very highly thought of and has previously been linked with moves to Chelsea and Arsenal.

![Suhaimi Abdullah/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readnewcastle.com/readnewcastle/sites/20/2018/06/496837820.jpg)

Chelsea were very keen to bring him to Stamford Bridge prior to his move to Mainz, but the striker opted for the Bundesliga as he went in search of regular game time.

[Speaking](https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/yoshinori-muto-explains-chelsea-transfer-snub-im-not-ready-to-play-for-blues-yet-10379478.html) about the potential of playing in the Premier League, he confirmed why he rejected a move to Chelsea.

> The Premier League is a great league, but I’m not ready to play for Chelsea yet.

In 27 league appearances last season, Muto scored eight times for Mainz and impressed when called upon.

He is currently in Russia at the World Cup but has started both of Japan’s first two games as a substitute.