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Newcastle United transfer target Chancel Mbemba has insisted he WILL complete a dream move to St James’ Park.

Steve McClaren’s need for a new centre-back was clear in Portland last night after the Magpies went down 4-3 against Portland Timbers.

The Yorkshireman was forced to play Shane Ferguson and Gael Bigirimana in a makeshift defence.

But Anderlecht star Mbemba says he is set to bolster the United back four in due course.

He said: “The transfer is not finalised yet. There are still some details to work out but it will go (through) and I’m proud of myself.

“I worked very hard for it to arrive and it’s a childhood dream come true. In Congo, everyone dreams of one day playing in the Premier League.

“In my country, it is the place to be.”

United appear to have pipped German side Borussia Monchengladbach and Atletico Madrid for Mbemba’s signature.

He said: “I went to visit (Borussia) Monchengladbach’s facilities. I had a good interview with their management, and the coach tried to sell it to me but the club could not pay what Anderlecht requested.

“Atlético have also made a offer, but it was refused for the same reasons.”

But the defender said he has real ambition to be a Premier League star - not least after starring against Arsenal in the Champions League last term.

He said: “This competition is a showcase. I think it’s mostly at home to Arsenal when I tabled my business card to English clubs.

“When I arrived in 2011 I had nothing. I did not even know if I was going to eat every night. And now here I am. It’s also cool that Mitrovic is in Newcastle too.

“But I also look forward to seeing Cheikhou Kouyate when we face West Ham.”

Mbemba’s agent Fabio Baglio also stated there was long-term interest on the star.

He said: “The interest of English does not date from yesterday.

“The head of scouting Newcastle came to see Chancel during Champions League match in Dortmund.

“He was impressed, and Newcastle continued to follow Chancel.

“Since the club had the means to the amount requested, the negotiations were quick.”