It’s a month where new arrivals are a necessity for NUFC, but it’s Newcastle duo Aleksandar Mitrovic and Chancel Mbemba who have been linked with moves away from St James’ Park today.
Starting with Mitrovic. Reports from France last night claimed that Bordeaux have ‘open talks’ to sign the Serbian. It has since emerged that Marseille and Sporting Lisbon are in the mix for his signature, with the latter claimed to have come in with an opening offer of £10.7m. It seems this may fall of our valuation however, with the Chronicle’s Lee Ryder suggesting NUFC won’t accept less than £15m.
BREAKING NEWS: #SportingCP has joined the race to sign #Newcastle’s striker Aleksandar #Mitrovic, along with America (MX), Marseille & Bordeaux. Initial offer is said to be £10.7M. #NUFC
— Nuno Valinhas (@nunovalinhas) January 9, 2018
And finally, Mbemba. News from Belgium today that his former club Anderlecht are keen on brining him back, however they also claim that Celtic are in the mix for his signature. He arrived at the club for £8m and it’s been suggested today that NUFC would be looking to get their money back (and more) for him. He’s clearly not fancied by Rafa so the sale of him and Mitrovic in particular could be key to raising January funds?
Voetbalkrant suggest Anderlecht are looking for an extra defender & could look to "an old friend" Chancel Mbemba. Also claim Celtic are interested in #nufc defender https://t.co/brF8SKY6Jp
— Chris Waugh (@ChrisDHWaugh) January 9, 2018
Looks like Rafa is ready to cash in a bid to raise funds for some much needed January signings? We’d NEED to have replacements lined up, but it looks like the pairs time on Tyneside is coming to an end. In a window where we desperately need new signings, would this be a mistake or masterstroke from Rafa?
It’s a shame about Mbemba leaving, I rate him highly , however Rafa watches him in training and I suppose we must trust his judgement,
Phil(Quote)