Premier League giants Newcastle United could reportedly sell Chancel Mbemba this month with Celtic, Anderlecht and Fiorentina all linked in Belgium.
Rafa Benitez still has the faith of most Newcastle United supporters on his side, despite a worrying run of form which suggests another relegation battle is looming large on the horizon.
Yet there have been a few murmurs of discontent among the St James’ Park faithful. The constant inclusion of Mo Diame continues to rankle, as does the exclusion of Aleksandar Mitrovic in favour of the ineffective Joselu.
But it is Benitez’s stubborn refusal to put his faith in Chancel Mbemba that remains perhaps the biggest source of division between the manager and his fan base. The charismatic Congolese is a real fans’ favourite but Benitez clearly isn’t a fan – Mbemba has made only 19 league starts since the beginning of the 2016/17 season.
And reports in Belgian today, emerging from Foot RDC, have suggested that Newcastle would be willing to listen to offers of around £8 million for the 23-year-old this month; the same fee the Magpies paid Anderlecht for his signature in 2015.
It is understood that former club Anderlecht are interested in bringing him back, while Serie A giants Fiorentina are also keen. Even Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic have been linked with the Scottish champions in the market for another centre-half.
The £8 million price-tag, however, means the Hoops would have to smash their transfer record.
But while the prospect of recouping every penny you paid for a fringe player looks like good business on paper, Newcastle fans would rather Mbemba stayed on Tyneside.
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