Stephane M’Bia: Newcastle Bid for Defensive Midfield Star: Everton, Arsenal & Man City Still in Hunt

Newcastle have emerged as potential suitors of Rennes’ highly-rated defensive midfielder Stephane M’Bia this January although reports of a £4m bid is unlikely to succeed. The Cameroon international was linked to Everton, Man City and Arsenal this summer but his club were determined to keep the player so it’s unlikely such a low bid will be enough to bring him to Tyneside. Whether the 3 clubs who were attempting to bring the defensive midfielder to the Premier League in the summer is unknown but with all 3 needing players in that area it’s highly likely.

The 22-year-old spoke openly of his desire to move to Goodison in the summer even ahead of the Gunners. He said, “I have just been told that Arsenal are interested as well, but my position is clear - I want to start the season with Everton.”

“What Rennes are currently offering me is far behind my demands. Both clubs have to find an agreement to help me leave.

“I’m aware that my directors have declared I won’t leave, but it’s just a means to make my price higher. I understand their position and I would do the same.

“It’s politics. Regarding what I’ve heard, I know (general manager Pierre) Dreossi is ready to let me leave. From my part, I don’t want to play for Rennes anymore”.

If money is an issue for Newcastle, Everton and Arsenal, it certainly shouldn’t be for mega-rich Man City so the powerful midfielder may well finally get his big money move to the Premier League if Mark Hughes makes a firm bid.

The 22-year-old Cameroon international helped Rennes to finish 6th last season after a successful campaign and the club currently sit 3rd this season just 2 points behind leaders Lyon. The youngster has worked his way through the club’s youth ranks after signing from KSA Douala in his home country.

M’Bia has made a total of 88 League appearances for the club (4 goals) and would be a powerful addition to most Premier League midfields. The African midfield star is renowned for his tough tackling and at 6 ft 2 casts an intimidating figure on the field. In his last 3 and a half seasons, M’Bia has been booked a total of 23 times and received 2 red cards in just 87 League appearances so interested clubs should expect the youngster to be exactly the type of enforcer they need if the move comes off.

Despite his tender age, the Rennes star has Uefa Cup experience as well as played an important role in Cameroon’s march to the African Cup of Nations final last February. This includes a match winning 2-goal performance in the quarter-final 3-2 win over Tunisia.

With 18 caps and 3 goals to his name, M’Bia could be a useful signing for a number of Premier League clubs but whether Rennes will release him when nicely positioned in the table is highly debatable.

So would you like your club to bring the Rennes star to the Premier League or would you prefer a different potential signing? Are you in need of a powerful defensive midfield man to balance the team or need creativity in the ranks? Let’s hear your views.

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Tags: Arsenal, Cameroon, Everton, Man City, Rennes, Stephane M'Bia

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