With Chancel Mbemba’s exit looking increasingly likely, perhaps Newcastle United should be thinking about his replacement.
The Congo international has been used sparingly since Rafael Benitez became Magpies boss in 2016, and has seen little football over the past couple of years.
Every Love Island contestant if they were an England international – World Cup!
In total he has made 58 appearances for the Toon Army, but the Shields Gazette believes he will not be adding to that tally, with a £7 million deal in place for the defender’s imminent transfer.
It means that Newcastle will be light in defence, so perhaps they need to start thinking about potential replacements, and Celtic star Dedryck Boyata could be ideal.
The 27-year-old has done well for Belgium at the World Cup so far, starting the three group stage matches before making way for the more experienced Vincent Kompany against Japan in the last 16.
The Sun claim Premier League new boys Fulham are targeting the former Manchester City defender, who only has 12 months remaining on his contract at Celtic Park. Lazio, and clubs in Turkey and France are also said to be interested.
Celtic do not want to sell, but may have no option if the player refuses to sign a new deal. If a bidding war starts following his World Cup showing, then that will make it all the more difficult to keep hold of him.
Newcastle should make themselves a part of that potential bidding war.
Boyata has improved greatly since Brendan Rodgers took over at Celtic and may feel as though he has unfinished business in the Premier League.
He will certainly have greater confidence in his own abilities having played well in Russia on the biggest stage and Newcastle could be sealing quite a coup if they were to join the race for the Belgian.
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