Newcastle United defender Chancel Mbemba is set for talks with Anderlecht this week, according to Het Nieuwsblad.
The Belgian newspaper report that Anderlecht have drawn up a contract offer for the 23-year-old Congolese enforcer, who looks set to leave the Magpies after three years.
Het Nieuwsblad claim that if the two parties reach an agreement on personal terms, then Anderlecht will move to complete a double swoop for Mbemba and goalkeeper Matz Sels, who has spent the season on loan at the club.
Good move for Newcastle United?
It is quite clear that Mbemba is not part of Rafa Benitez’s plans for the future at St. James’ Park, with the 23-year-old getting minimal game time at the club this season.
Many fans have been clambering to see the Congolese ace grace their defence this season, but Benitez has obviously decided he is surplus to requirements on Tyneside.
Therefore an exit does make sense for Newcastle, as long as Anderlecht stump up the right bid for the enforcer.
It looks like the Belgian club are close to a deal for goalkeeper Sels, and that will make things slightly easier for the club as well.
Nothing but Newcastle rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
An exit is most definitely on the cards for Mbemba, but Het Nieuwsblad report that the Magpies ace does have interest from elsewhere as well.
Previous reports have suggested that Bundesliga club Hoffenheim are interested, and that could pose problems to Anderlecht’s efforts to sign Mbemba if that interest is made concrete.
The Belgian side do however look to be putting themselves in a good position for Mbemba, and their fast approach may work in their favour.
Nothing but Newcastle rating: 6/10
