Mbemba’s looking to take his chance

UNCERTAIN TIMES FOR DEFENDER

NEWCASTLE United defender Chancel Mbemba is facing another season of fighting for his place.

The DR Congo international is entering his third term on Tyneside but is far from being guaranteed a starting spot. In fact, if the right bid came in for the ex-Anderlecht man he’d probably be on his way.

When Mike Ashley made a rare statement to say Rafa Benitez could have every penny generated from “player sales and other means” Mbemba will have instantly slotted into that category in the eyes of the United management.

Mbemba’s renewed fight for first team football will start on July 3.

Eibar defender Florian Lejeune is set to arrive at United before pre-season training starts while Ciaran Clark and Jamaal Lascelles will feel they have earned the right to be regulars after forming a solid defensive partnership last season.

Is Mbemba regarded better than any of the trio above in the eyes of Benitez? Probably not.

It leaves the defender in a tough position and while he starts pre-season ahead of Grant Hanley he will have to work hard to nudge his way on to the first team sheet of the new Premier League season when Tottenham Hotspur arrive at St James’ Park in August.

Mbemba quickly proved to be a hit with Newcastle fans in his first season – even amidst a troublesome backdrop for the Magpies as Steve McClaren’s team never managed to pull clear of the relegation area.

The centre-back arrived without having much grasp of the English language and