Newcastle United are understood to be close to finalising a deal for Anderlecht defender Chancel Mbemba.

The Daily Mail is reporting that Mbemba asked to be left out of Anderlecht's pre-season clash with Lazio on Sunday as he prepares to complete a £7.5million move to Tyneside.

Mbemba will join Anderlecht teammate Aleksandar Mitrovic at St James' Park, with the Serbian striker set to complete his £13.5million transfer this coming week.

It is understood that Anderlecht manager Besnik Hasi has come to terms with Mbemba's impending departure for the Premier League.