---
title: "Newcastle pair emerge as January targets for Anderlecht"
canonical: "https://readnewcastle.com/2017/01/05/anderlecht-keen-on-loan-moves-for-newcastle-duo/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Thomas Bore"
section: "Newcastle United News"
published: "2017-01-05T23:19:32Z"
modified: "2017-01-05T23:19:32Z"
---

# Newcastle pair emerge as January targets for Anderlecht

Chancel Mbemba could return to RSC Anderlecht on loan just eighteen months after leaving the Belgian outfit for Newcastle United, according to [reports from HLN.](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/newcastle-united-transfers-former-club-12409225)

Mbemba made a successful start to life on Tyneside, making 33 Premier League appearances in his debut season – missing five as a result of a malleolar injury sustained in January.

His second season, however, has been a stark contrast. Game time has been limited for young Chancel as Rafa Benitez prefer to select the Championship experienced pairing of Ciaran Clark and captain Jamaal Lascelles – who boast over 100 Championship appearances between them.

After starting five of Newcastle’s opening six league games, Mbemba lost his place in the first-team after a disappointing performance in the 2-0 defeat to Wolves in September. Benitez handed Mbemba another chance against Blackburn two months on, but the 22-year-old failed to grasp his opportunity.

Newcastle would be reluctant to allow Mbemba to depart from St James’ Park this winter, but [The Chronicle](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/newcastle-united-transfers-former-club-12409225) say the move is possible – provided a replacement can be signed first. The report goes on to state if a move does not materialise this window, a summer move could be on the cards if the player’s form does not improve.

![Stu Forster/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readnewcastle.com/readnewcastle/sites/20/2017/01/626765012.jpg)

Another Newcastle player has also emerged as a January target for Anderlecht, Belgian stopper Matz Sels – who, like Mbemba, has fallen out-of-favour under Benitez. The decision to allow Sels to leave on loan may not prove as unpopular amongst the fans as letting Mbemba leave.