Newcastle announce signing of Anderlecht defender Mbemba

Newcastle have announced the signing of Chancel Mbemba and hope he will be granted a work permit in time to start the Premier League season at the club.

The 20-year-old DR Congo defender was granted governing body endorsement (GBE) at a Football Association panel hearing on Thursday, and now needs just visa clearance to launch his Newcastle career.

Mbemba has become Newcastle's third signing of the summer after making the switch from Anderlecht, with head coach Steve McClaren keen to tie up the remaining paperwork quickly.