Newcastle Confirm Chancel Mbemba Close To Signing - But They Are Waiting On FA Hearing For Visa

Newcastle United have confirmed that they have agreed a fee with Anderlecht for Chancel Mbemba, as well as personal terms with the defender, but that they are waiting on an FA hearing in order to acquire a visa for the 20-year-old. The 20-year-old could arrive for a reported £7.5 million (‚10.8 million) fee as the Magpies look to make their first defensive recruit of the summer, although the club have stated that the FA will be unable to consider the application for a visa until Thursday (July 30th) despite the player having completed a medical successfully. Mbemba requires a Governing Body Endorsement from the FA to be given to the government in order to complete his move to Newcastle, but the governing body are unable to host a meeting until this Thursday, despite being contacted by the Magpies last Wednesday (July 22nd).

In a statement released on NUFC.co.uk on Saturday, 30 minutes before the club's pre-season friendly against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane, the Magpies revealed:

"Following an agreement between Newcastle United and Anderlecht for the transfer of Chancel Mbemba, the player has been in Newcastle and has agreed personal terms with the Club and undergone his medical. "The documentation in relation to the Club's application for a Governing Body Endorsement (GBE), required in order for Mbemba to obtain a visa, was submitted to the FA on Wednesday morning (22nd July). "Unfortunately, the FA are unable to consider the Club's application until Thursday of next week (30th July). The FA advised the Club they were not able to convene a Panel any sooner. "The Club will provide an update for supporters at the earliest opportunity following the conclusion of the Panel hearing."

Mbemba flew to Tyneside on Thursday to undergo his medical, which he passed, before putting pen to paper on his reported five-year contract, which is yet to be ratified. The defender allegedly withdrew from Anderlecht's pre-season friendly with Lazio last Sunday in order to force through his move to Tyneside. Democratic Republic of Congo international Memba was also being chased by Atletico Madrid, Borussia Monchengladbach and Wolfsburg - but Newcastle won the race of his suitors. The defender has been linked with the Magpies in the past, and the six-foot-tall full-back-cum-centre-back has already been capped 16 times by the Democratic Republic of Congo at the tender age of 20 and he looks set to become a real superstar. There have been controversies over his age, however, with his date of birth having been registered as both August 8th 1988, as well as August 8th 1994. In fact, allegations arose back in 2013 that he did actually have €œfour separate birth dates€ registered with different organisations, and with FIFA that birth date makes him 20. Versatile enough to be able to cover at centre-back, the defender would be able to fill in for a number of positions at St James€™ Park, which made him an attractive option. Mbemba has made 56 league appearances since progressing into the first-team at Anderlecht back in 2012, scoring six times, and he has won both the Belgian Pro title and the Belgian Super Cup (twice). CLICK HERE to read "12 Things Newcastle Fans Need To Know About Chancel Mbemba".For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.