Newcastle looks set to do battle with local rivals Sunderland for left back Cheikh M’Bengue who is available on a free transfer as per The Chronicle.
M’Bengue, 27, is in demand after he ran his contract down with French side Stade Rennais. He is interesting a number of clubs from the Premier league and abroad. Cheikh M’Bengue said:
Many clubs have approached me. Saint Etienne asked me and there is also Sunderland, clubs in Turkey, Newcastle – I will leave it a little time but not too long.
Rafa Benitez has Dummett and Hiadara available to him although they are prone to injuries and Mbabu could possibly leave on-loan.
Cheikh M’Bengue has also played at centre-back previously but not for a number of years and is also able to play wing-back which again gives Rafa Benitez more options.
Newcastle have been linked with many players since the end of the season with additions to attack and defence the areas of improvement needed. The latest striker to be linked with the club is Crystal Palace’s Dwight Gayle and Blackburn defender Grant Hanley has also been linked with the club over the past few days.
The latest on the Dwight Gayle’s links with Newcastle are here.
