Report: Celtic remain keen on Newcastle’s Chancel Mbemba

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Celtic are reportedly interested in signing Newcastle United defender Chancel Mbemba this summer.

According to a report from the Chronicle, Newcastle United plan to sell Chancel Mbemba during the summer, and Celtic remain interested in signing the defender from the Magpies.

The 23-year-old has played a fairly peripheral role for the Magpies this season, making just nine Premier League appearances for Rafa Benitez’s side. He has not played in the top flight since the turn of the year.

The Chronicle reports that he is set to be sold during the upcoming window as Benitez looks to conduct something of an overhaul of his squad, and Celtic are eyeing up a move for the DR Congo international.

Brendan Rodgers has had issues with his defence during the season so it is little surprise that he is targeting a new addition. FootDRC reported in January that Mbemba was on Celtic’s radar, so news of his impending summer exit appears set to attract his attention.

Kristoffer Ajer has appeared to be something of a revelation for the Bhoys this term, but their other defensive options have been inconsistent and the Celtic fans would have been forgiven for forgetting all about the January deal for Marvin Compper.

Mbemba – who cost Newcastle £8 million, according to The Telegraph – may not have enjoyed the best spell at St James’ Park, but he is young enough to get significantly better in the future, and perhaps Rodgers may now make a move if he decides that he can see a way to unlock his potential at Parkhead.