Newcastle United defender Chancel Mbemba wanted by Hoffenheim?

Newcastle United defender Chancel Mbemba has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for Hoffenheim.

Mbemba has spent the last three seasons at St James' Park but the 23-year-old - who signed from Anderlecht in 2015 - has dropped down the pecking order under Rafael Benitez.

This season, Mbemba made just nine appearances in the Premier League - the last of which came on December 27 - and it appears that the DR Congo international will leave the Magpies during the summer.

According to Chronicle Live, Hoffenheim are ready to make an approach for the player, who still has two years remaining on his contract at the North-East outfit.

Hoffenheim have just secured a place in next season's Champions League after finishing in third place in the Bundesliga table.