OPINION
Newcastle United could reportedly sell defender Chancel Mbemba in January and Aston Villa should pounce to sign the Premier League ace in the New Year.
The Chronicle reported in October that the 23-year-old has been unable to convince Rafael Benitez that he has a long-term future at St James’ Park.
It is understood that Newcastle would consider any substantial bid in the January transfer window for the centre-back and that they would also like to find a replacement for him first.
Villa should seriously be eying a move for the Congo international and try to add him to their squad for the second half of the season.
The versatile defender has been on the fringes of the Magpies squad for much of the season, despite a rare recall to the side on Tuesday night against West Brom.
He is a centre-back by trade and has also shown his qualities as a left-back for Newcastle, something that should only add to his value.
Mbemba is renowned for being a powerhouse defender with his no-nonsense approach and he is also technically sound in possession.
Villa could certainly do with some defensive reinforcements in January to help aid their promotion hunt as they look to get out of the competitive Championship.
The Midlands giants have a preferred centre-back combination of James Chester and John Terry, but the latter has been absent recently with a foot injury.
Chris Samba and Mile Jedinak are not the best alternatives in the heart of defence, while Tommy Elphick has become a forgotten man at Villa Parl
Steve Bruce has a glaring gap in his squad that needs filling in the next transfer window and Newcastle’s ace fits the bill.
Mbemba play a role in Newcastle achieving promotion from the Championship last season and at 23 still has his best years ahead of him.