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Newcastle United defender Chancel Mbemba has been spotted back at his former club Anderlecht sparking rumours of a potential return.

However, the 23-year-old was thought to be simply making the most of three days off ahead of the FA Cup clash against Chelsea.

The Congolese defender was back in Belgium and used the club’s facilities - working out in the gym and going for a run on the treadmill, according to dhnet.be.

Mbemba has been in and out the team over the last season and half - starting only six times this campaign. Rafa Benitez has largely preferred Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark in the central defence with Mbemba’s limited appearances coming at full-back due to an injury to Paul Dummett.

With £8 million summer signing Florian Lejeune also nearing full fitness, Mbemba is likely to find a place in the match-day squad hard to come by - let alone be involved in the starting 11.

Anderlecht have been linked with a loan move for their former defender but reports suggest the fee to take the 23-year-old would be out of their price range. The Belgian champions also have United goalkeeper Matz Sels on loan.

There have also reported that Mbemba was offered to West Ham as part of a swap deal which included Diafra Sakho.