Koki Machida is seen in action during the second half of the Emperor's Cup final on Jan. 1, 2020, at the National Stadium in Tokyo. (Mainichi/Yuki Miyatake)

       TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Kashima Antlers defender Koki Machida is set for a loan move to Belgium top-flight leaders Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, sources close to the matter said Monday.

       The 24-year-old, left-footed center-back played in 34 J-League top-flight games this season and scored five goals.

       Machida came through the ranks at Kashima before being promoted to their top team in 2016, and has been a mainstay since 2019.

       Japan winger Kaoru Mitoma is also on a loan deal at Saint-Gilloise from English Premier League side Brighton.

       Saint-Gilloise only got promoted this season but lead the league on 47 points after 21 games, seven ahead of second-place Club Brugge.

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