According to Lee Ryder, an exit for Newcastle United man Grant Hanley is unlikely this month, amid reports surrounding fellow defender Chancel Mbemba.
The Scotland international has rarely featured in the starting XI since joining from Blackburn Rovers and had been linked with a move to Wolves to link up with former Rovers chief Paul Lambert. Still, an offer allowing Mbemba to join Crystal Palace on loan to bring Andros Townsend to St. James’ Park is said to be on the table.
#nufc 's offer of Mbemba on loan is still on the table to #cpfc which would make Grant Hanley's exit unlikely. Hanley linked with Wolves now
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) January 30, 2017
That would leave Rafa Benitez short in central defence, so any notion of seeing the 25-year-old depart is reportedly unlikely, despite his barely convincing performances when handed a rare starting berth. He captained the side during their humiliating 3-0 loss to Oxford United in the FA Cup, an outing he has largely been lamented for.
Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark would be the only regular first-team defenders should Mbemba and Hanley leave, so it looks like being a case of one or the other.
