Report: Newcastle make Mbemba available for transfer

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Newcastle may have to sell in January if they are to buy new players.

The Evening Chronicle claim Newcastle United have made Chancel Mbemba available for transfer ahead of the January transfer window, as well as Aleksander Mitrovic.

Serbia international Mitrovic has been repeatedly linked with an exit from St. James’ Park, with the report claiming Southampton, Crystal Palace, Brighton, Partizan Belgrade and Championship clubs interested in the powerhouse striker.

However, the surprise name in the report is speedy defender Mbemba, 23, who has been on the fringes of the side this season with his versatility allowing Rafa Benitez to use him at both centre-back and left-back.

The 23-year-old has featured in seven Premier League matches for the Toon this season and that figure could have been more, had he not picked up an injury while on international duty with DR Congo.

However, with the Toon boasting the likes of Jamaal Lascelles, Florian Lejeune and Ciaran Clark at centre-back, as well as Javi Manquillo and the returning Paul Dummett on the left side of defence, game time may dry up for Mbemba.

It remains to be seen how much Benitez will charge for the former Anderlecht ace, who signed a five-year contract back in the summer of 2015 that the Daily Star claim is worth £30,000 a week.