Benitez now deciding between THREE centre-backs as NUFC move to replace Chancel Mbemba

With Chancel Mbemba's move to Porto having finally gone through, it seems there are now THREE clear centre-back options on Rafa Benitez's radar - Fabian Schar, Federico Fernandez and Diego Reyes.

Here's a look at all three and the current state of play based on recent reports linking them with a move to Newcastle United:

Fabian Schar

The 26-year old Swiss international has been heavily linked with a move to Newcastle on Monday, with The Chronicle claiming we're now planning to activate his £3m release clause following Mbemba's sale.

He looks all set to leave Deportivo this summer following their relegation from La Liga and is someone who's got a wealth of experience, having competed in La Liga, the Bundesliga, the Europa Leage and the Champions League - having also started at the heart of Switzerland's defence throughout their run to the World Cup knockout stages.

He's a bit of a deal ball specialist and could be a snip at just £3m.

Federico Fernandez

A player who'll know Rafa Benitez very well, having played under the Spaniard during their time together at Swansea just a few years back.

He's now at Swansea but looks set to be sacrificed following their relegation. The Chronicle have suggested that he is currently our back up option to Fabian Schar, claiming it'd be a loan move (despite him being available for just £6m, which says a lot).

He's 29, 6ft 3' tall and has played 32 times for the Argentinian national side.

Diego Reyes

Sky Sports claimed we were interested in the 25-year-old last week, with him now available on a free having failed to sign a new contract with Porto.

The Chronicle responded to those claims by confirming our interest, however they suggested that he was no at the top of Rafa's priority list, suggesting we may go for other centre-back targets instead.

This appears to be true if new links to Schar and Fernandez are to be believed, however Monday night claims from Italian outlet CalcioMercato claim he's 'very close' to a move to St James' Park.

He'd be the cheapest of the three (which would no doubt appeal to a certain Mike Ashley) and can also operate in a holding midfield role, but he has limited experience in Europe's top leagues (despite racking up over 50 appearances for his country).

https://twitter.com/BlackWhiteBarmy/status/1021492776331079682

Who would you prefer to see replace Mbemba out of these three folks?