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Anderlecht are targeting a January reunion with out-of-favour Newcastle United defender Chancel Mbemba , according to reports in Belgium.

HLN claims that the 33-time Belgian champions are hoping to bring the 22-year-old back to the club on a loan deal until the end of the season.

And, though Mbemba has made just one Championship appearance since September and appears to have lost Rafa Benitez ’s trust, the Magpies boss would be unwilling to allow the centre-back to leave this month - unless a replacement could be recruited first.

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Newcastle signed Mbemba from Anderlecht for a fee in the region of £9million during the summer of 2015 and the Democratic Republic of Congo international excelled during his first season at St James’ Park, making 35 appearances in all.

Yet Mbemba has fallen out of favour under Benitez in recent months following a disappointing display against Wolverhampton Wanderers in September, restricting his appearances to just eight in all competitions so far this term.

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And though Mbemba - who headed away to join up with the DR Congo squad earlier this week ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon later this month - could yet depart Tyneside over the summer if his form does not improve, it appears unlikely he will leave during this current window.

Interestingly, however, Anderlecht are also searching for a goalkeeper and are believed to be exploring the possibility of taking Newcastle summer signing Matz Sels on loan this month too.