According to reports, Liverpool are eyeing up a move for former Toon defender Chancel Mbemba – the man Rafa Benitez sold for £7m almost three years ago.
Jurgen Klopp has been forced to chop and change his backline this season due to injuries and it is thought he will look to bolster his centre-back options in the summer.
January signings Ben Davies and Ozan Kabak have been brought in to temporarily patch up an injury ravaged defence, and Tuttomercatoweb claim Liverpool have now contacted Porto over a potential summer deal for Mbemba.
The DR Congo international, now 26, has just come off the back of one of his career best performances after having a huge impact on Porto’s surprise Champions League triumph over Juventus in midweek – keeping Ronaldo quiet as his 10-man side won the game in extra-time to reach the quarter finals.
Interestingly, it’s claimed his standout display in the Champions League are what caught Liverpool’s eye, along with the fact he could leave at a reasonable fee now he’s entering the final 12 months of his deal.
Mbemba showed glimpses of his talent at Newcastle, with his impressive athleticism and ability to carry the ball out of defence one of the only positive lights to come out of our relegation season in 2015/16.
Still in his mid 20’s, he is clearly showing signs of turning into the finished article that we thought he could become at one stage.
It is puzzling why Rafa Benitez decided to offload the defender, especially as he had all the physical attributes to be a quality centre half.
Who knows if this rumour is true, but if he keeps playing as he did in midweek it won’t be long until he’s back in the Premier League!
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