Newcastle United are set to sell Chancel Mbemba to Porto, after the defender has agreed to terms on a four-year deal, according to the Mirror.
It was reported on their website that the clubs are currently negotiating an £8million transfer fee, as Rafa Benitez looks to cut the clubs immense wage bill, thought to be around £95million.
The Congo international is not thought to be within Benitez’s plans at St James Park, and is attracted to the idea of Champions League football next season in Portugal.
Mbemba moved to Newcastle back in 2015 from Anderlecht, and has gone on to make over 50 appearances for the Magpies.
OPINION
It is clear that Chancel Mbemba is not in the long-term plan at Newcastle, and is surplus to Benitez requirements. If the two clubs can agree on a fee, the player himself seems very happy with the move. The chances of first-team football will be more regular in Portugal, and the added bonus of being able to play in the Champions League is certainly an attractive commodity. Mbemba has been a loyal servant at St James Park, and certainly played well on the occasion he was called on, but his time on Tyneside is all but up. His name is likely to be one of a few who are shed from Benitez’s crowded locker room, as the club attempts to free up some much-needed funding ahead of a busy summer transfer period. Fans can look back with fond memories, as Mbemba was integral to the Magpies Championship winning season last year, and even scored on the day that they were promoted back to the Premiership, marking that as his only goal for the club. This deal could be finalised soon, if the two clubs can agree on a fee.