Roma set to complete deal for Newcastle defender Yanga-Mbiwa

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Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa has done enough on loan to convince Roma to move to sign him permanently from Newcastle United.

It looks increasingly likely that Newcastle fans have seen the last of French centre-back Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa.

The 25-year-old joined Roma on loan at the end of the transfer window and was seen by many in Italy as a back-up purchase for the Scudetto chasers.

But the capital club have been hit by defensive injuries this season and Yanga-Mbiwa has stepped up, turning in some highly impressive performances.

Yanga-Mbiwa has so far made 11 appearances for Roma and looked authoritative and assured in the Giallorossi defence.

Despite his efforts, Newcastle reportedly haven’t had any second thoughts about the loan and Roma are expected to close out a permanent move in January.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Roma are ready to pay around £5.5 million and could attempt to wrap up the agreement in January to prevent any Newcastle change of heart in June.

Having sold star defender Mehdi Benatia in the summer and lost Leandro Castan for much of the season so far due to brain surgery, Yanga-Mbiwa has been something of a saviour for Roma and could have a bright future in Serie A.