Newcastle loans Matz Sels to Anderlecht

Rafa Benitez is cleaning house ahead of Newcastle United's return to the Premier League, sending backup 'keeper Matz Sels on a season-long loan to Anderlecht, the Belgian club confirmed.

Sels made nine appearances last season as the Magpies secured promotion to the top flight via first place of the Championship. He joined Newcastle just last summer from Anderlecht's First Division A rival Gent, where he was once named Belgium's Goalkeeper of the Year.

His departure will leave Karl Darlow and Rob Elliot battling it out between the posts, although Newcastle has been named among many clubs linked with Manchester City's Joe Hart.

The Tyneside lot begins its Premier League campaign with an enticing clash against Tottenham Hotspur at St James' Park on August 12.