Newcastle sign DR Congo defender Chancel Mbemba

London: Newcastle have completed the signing of Anderlecht defender Chancel Mbemba, the Premier League club confirmed on Thursday.

The Magpies agreed the deal in principle with Belgian club Anderlecht last weekend, but Mbemba was unable to seal his move while he waited for paperwork issues to be resolved.

The 20-year-old DR Congo international has now been granted governing body endorsement (GBE) at a Football Association panel hearing on Thursday, and will be able to launch his Newcastle career once he gets visa clearance.

Mbemba has become Newcastle’s third signing of the pre-season, with head coach Steve McClaren keen to tie up the remaining paperwork to ensure he is available for the team’s Premier League opener against Southampton on August 9.