Buried somewhat in a transfer story regarding our and Spurs' interest in Florian Thauvin comes the claim in The Daily Mail that we are circulating Genk "powerhouse" Kara Mbodj. Coming in at 6ft 4inches, Mbodj is predominantly a defensive midfielder but has also filled in at centre-back and looked comfortable. He's played 15 times for Senegal, scoring twice and at 25-years of age he's noticeably 3-years younger than Cheick Tiote, who his CV looks reminiscent of and could prove to be eyed as his replacement. Tiote's future looks up in the air over a lack of ever being available for selection, whether it be because of his commitment to his country over his club (though that issue would remain with Mbodj, most likely), his ill-discipline on the field and his injury proneness. He's only managed to appear 11 times for The Magpies in the league this campaign and hasn't been heard or seen since the African Cup of Nations kicked off in January. The Daily Mail claim Genk have slapped an £8 million price tag on Mbodj, which may well be more than Newcastle could now hope to get for Tiote whose market value has likely dipped after a few dodgy campaigns. It may prove to be a valuation that puts off Newcastle and the likes of West Ham United, Everton and Hull City who have also been registered with interest in Mbodj in recent months. Real name Serigne Modou Kara Mbodji, though commonly shortened to Kara Mbodji, the Senegalese international joined Genk in a 1.4 million move in December 2012 and is contracted until June 2018. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCultureNUFC on Twitter and Facebook.
Matt Holmes is the co-founder of What Culture, formerly known as Obsessed With Film. He has been blogging about pop culture and entertainment since 2006 and has written over 10,000 articles.
