Newcastle could look to add a new central defender to their side.
Newcastle United are reportedly close to finally offloading ostracised defender Chancel Mbemba, with the Daily Mirror claiming FC Porto are willing to spend as much as £8million to land the DR Congo international.
Mbemba, 23, only managed nine Premier League appearances all season, which all became the turn of the year. So for Newcastle to land £8million for his signature, is a good bit of business by the Tyneside club.
But Rafa Benitez now must add cover to his central defence, with only captain Jamaal Lascelles, Florian Lejuene and Ciaran Clark as options at the back.
Armed with Mbemba’s transfer fee, Benitez should look at Manchester City defender Jason Denayer after Turkish outlet Aksam claimed the Belgium international is valued at £8.8million by the Premier League champions.
The report claims Turkish giants Galatasaray are interested in the former Sunderland loanee, but will not make a bid until Pep Guardiola’s side reduce their asking price for the defender.
Still only 22, Denayer spent the entire 2017-18 season on loan with Gala, making 22 SuperLig appearances as the Turkish outfit held aloft the league title, pipping Fenerbahce to first place by three points.
Denayer has never made an appearance for Man City, though he has also won the league title in Scotland with Celtic and has 24 Premier League appearances following his loan spell with Sunderland.
Renowned for his power and aerial prowess, Denayer’s intricate technical ability on the ball is somewhat surprising and allows him to comfortably ply his trade in holding midfield – as well as centre-back.
At the bargain price of less than £9million, Denayer would be the perfect replacement for Mbemba.
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