Rafa Benitez ‘considering’ £15m-rated defender as Chancel Mbemba replacement – Report

With Chancel Mbemba expected to complete a move to Porto this week, the Chronicle claim that West Brom’s Craig Dawson is a player Rafa Benitez has ‘considered’ as a potential replacement for the Congolese international.

This is not the first time the 28-year-old has been linked with a potential move to Tyneside this summer, with the Mail claiming that we were ‘planning’ a move for the recently relegated defender early last month.

Here’s what the Chronicle have said on our plans to replace Mbemba:

“Newcastle United hope to bring in a fourth centre-back who will challenge Jamaal Lascelles and Florian Lejeune for a starting position next season.

“As far as possible incomings go centre-back wise, West Bromwich Albion’s Craig Dawson is someone the Magpies have considered.”

His versatility is probably appealing to Benitez, with him having slotted in at full-back and centre-back for the Baggies, however his potential £15m price tag makes a deal sound unlikely – especially when he’d be third/fourth choice.

The article also touches on recent links to Martin Skrtel and Ghanaian defender Kasim Nuhu. They state that the ex-Liverpool defender HAS been offered to Newcastle, but suggest his age and salary may mean we look elsewhere.

With regards to Nuhu, they confirm that he is a player who we’ve scouted over the past season – although it remains to be seen as to whether we’ll make a move for him with Rafa said to be considering a ‘long list’ of options.