Newcastle United are looking to offer Chancel Mbemba a new deal at St. James’ Park.
The 21-year-old defender joined the Magpies from Belgian side RSC Anderlecht last summer, and was one of the few positives from an altogether horrendous season.
It was expected that Mbemba would be a target for other clubs following Newcastle’s relegation, but HITC report that the club are looking to offer the DR Congo international an improved contract to ward off any potential interest.
As part of Rafa Benitez’s decision to stay on a Newcastle manager at the end of last month, the Spaniard was given assurances that he would have the final say on transfers (both coming and going), and that none of Newcastle’s prized assets would be sold, unless he agreed to it.
Moussa Sissoko has already come out this week stating his intentions to leave, and immediately return to Premier League football.
It is understood that the Frenchman will leave Newcastle this summer. Dutch trio Tim Krul, Daryl Janmaat and Georginio Wijnaldum are also reportedly allowed to leave, but, along with Sissoko, only for the right price.
But Mbemba looks set to be another tempted into staying for the Championship season under Benitez, after impressing the ex-Real Madrid boss towards the end of the campaign.
Another player who could be set for a new deal is Cheick Tiote.
The Ivorian midfielder was one of the names widely expected to move on this summer, and was even close to a move to China in January.
But, Tiote was another to impress Benitez towards the end of the season after fighting his way back into the team, and a further stint on Tyneside might just be on the cards.
