CHANCEL MBEMBA has revealed that Newcastle United outbid German side Borussia Monchengladbach and Spanish giants Atletico Madrid in order to prise him from Anderlecht.

Like the Echo's new Newcastle Utd news Facebook page 

Mbemba is set to become the Magpies' third signing of the summer after Anderlecht agreed to accept the Magpies' £8m offer for the 20-year-old centre-half.

Having travelled to Paris yesterday to resolve the complications over his visa, Mbemba is expected to travel to Tyneside within the next 24 hours to undergo a medical and finalise the personal terms of his move to St James' Park.

He will rejoin former team-mate Aleksandar Mitrovic, who completed a £12m switch to Newcastle yesterday, with Newcastle's recruitment having made a concerted push to seal his capture in the last few weeks.

"I went to visit (Borussia) Monchengladbach’s facilities. I had a good interview with their management, and the coach tried to sell it to me, but the club could not pay what Anderlecht requested," said Mbemba. "Atletico have also made a offer, but it was refused for the same reasons."

Newcastle's bid, on the other hand, was accepted at the start of the week, and having helped Anderlecht to the Belgian double in 2014 before testing himself in the Champions League last season, Mbemba cannot wait to showcase his skills in the Premier League.

"The transfer is not finalised yet," he said. "There are still some details to work out but it will go (through) and I’m proud of myself.

“I worked very hard for it to arrive and it’s a childhood dream come true. In Congo, everyone dreams of one day playing in the Premier League. In my country, it is the place to be."

Like Mitrovic, Mbemba sprang to wider prominence during last season's Champions League campaign. Playing at centre-half, he helped Anderlecht claim a 3-3 draw with Arsenal, and also scored twice in a 2-0 win over Turkish side Galatasaray.

"This competition (the Champions League) is a showcase," he said. "I think it’s mostly at home to Arsenal when I tabled my business card to English clubs.

"When I arrived in 2011 I had nothing. I did not even know if I was going to eat every night. And now here I am. It’s also good that Mitrovic is in Newcastle too.

"But I also look forward to seeing Cheikhou Kouyate when we face West Ham."

Mbemba's agent, Fabio Baglio, will accompany his client to the North-East, and feels that Newcastle's long-standing interest was the key to the successful resolution of the deal.

"The interest of English does not date from yesterday," said Baglio. "The head of scouting at Newcastle came to see Chancel during a Champions League match in Dortmund.

“He was impressed, and Newcastle continued to follow Chancel. Since the club had the means to the amount requested, the negotiations were quick."