Celtic have recently been linked with a move for Newcastle United defender Chancel Mbemba.
Celtic largely strolled to another domestic Treble this past season, but there appears to be a couple of issues for Brendan Rodgers to address over the summer with the defence arguably giving the Hoops boss reason for concern.
There have been some bright moments, but it does appear that Celtic need to improve their options if they hope to keep progressing, especially on the continental stage. And the report from the Chronicle suggested that Mbemba was one player that Rodgers has his eye on.
And given what the Northern Echo have suggested about the 23-year-old’s asking price, Celtic must do all they can to make a deal happen as it would appear that it may not cost the earth to bring the defender to Parkhead.
According to the Northern Echo, Newcastle are currently discussing a double deal with Anderlecht that would see Matz Sels and Mbemba head to Belgium. Newcastle are asking for £7 million for the pair or just £4 million for Sels on his own, and with Anderlecht currently keen on only signing the goalkeeper, it would appear that the door may be open for Celtic to target a £3 million deal for Mbemba if his old side decide against offering him a return.
Given that Mbemba is young enough to get better having already picked up a significant amount of Premier League experience at St James’ Park, it appears to be something of a no-brainer for Celtic to try and see if they can convince Newcastle to sell Mbemba for £3 million.
For that figure, it could prove to be one of the best deals that Rodgers could possibly do this summer.
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