Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez hails Matz Sels after Belgium goalkeeper completes £4million move to Tyneside
Gent star to be Toon No1 as Benitez plots instant return to the Premier League following relegation last season
MATZ SELS is set to start the season as Newcastle's No1 after finalising his £4million move from Gent.
The Belgian stopper, 24, has penned a five-year deal at St James' Park.
And Sels is likely to get the nod for the start of the Toon's Championship campaign.
Tim Krul - who is expected to leave - and Rob Elliot are recovering from long-term knee injuries, while doubts still remain over Karl Darlow.
And on his first Newcastle signing, boss Rafa Benitez beamed: "I am really pleased to welcome Matz to the club.
"He's a fantastic goalkeeper and many top clubs have been interested in signing him.
"Obviously we have injuries to Tim Krul and Rob Elliot which could be difficult for us in the first part of the season.
"So it was important to strengthen in this area to be sure we can make a strong start in the Championship."
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Sels is not part of Belgium's Euro 2016 squad but won a senior call-up in October.
And he added: "I'm very pleased - I'm very happy to be here.
"In Belgium, Newcastle is a really big club, and that's why I chose Newcastle.
"As soon as Newcastle showed their interest in me, and I spoke to the coach, Rafa Benitez, it was an easy decision to make."