Chancel Mbemba leaves Newcastle United to join Porto

Newcastle United defender Chancel Mbemba has completed a move to Primeira Liga side Porto for an undisclosed fee.

The Congo international has spent the past three years at St James' Park, making a total of 59 appearances for the North-East outfit.

Mbemba was restricted to just seven Premier League starts last season, however, and a further two from the bench, leading to interest from elsewhere.

United have confirmed that an agreement has now been struck with Porto, who they are due to meet in a pre-season friendly at the Estadio do Dragao next weekend.

Rafael Benitez is said to have eyed up Deportivo La Coruna's Fabian Schar and Federico Fernandez of Swansea City as defensive cover for next season.