Transfer Update: Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa to Newcastle

Defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa has completed his much anticipated move to Newcastle from Montpellier for a fee reported to be around 7 million pounds. The French international has signed a five and a half year contract with the Toons. Mbiwa would definitely strengthen the Newcastle’s backline which has looked vulnerable this season leaking goals against most of the clubs.

The 23-year old came through the youth ranks with Montpellier and made over 200 appearances in six years with the reigning Ligue 1 champions. The transfer is likely to alleviate some worries Newcastle over their backline, which has struggled to keep teams at bay in recent months.

Meanwhile, the long running transfer saga involving Wesley Sneijder was concluded after the Netherlands international agreed to join Galatasaray. The Dutchman’s future has been under speculation for months since he was frozen out of the Inter Milan set-up. Despite helping the Italian side to an historic treble in 2010, the club grew frustrated when Sneijder refused to take a pay cut and he has not played for the first team since September. However, Sneijder has agreed to join Galatasaray, with just a medical now standing in the way of him completing the move to the Turkish side.

QPR are set to lose Ryan Nelsen earlier than they had hoped after Toronto FC announced he will join them as the head coach from February 1.  The New Zealand defender who is 35 years of age , agreed his move to Major League Soccer at the start of winter transfer window, at which stage QPR manager Harry Redknapp said he hoped to keep him on the Loftus Road playing staff for most of the season.

Yann M’vila looks likely to join Russian Premier League side Rubin Kazan. The Rennes midfielder would be an ideal replacement at spurs for Sandro, who is out for the rest of the season following Knee ligament surgery, while QPR boss Harry Redknapp is keen on bringing the 22-year old to Loftus Road after snaring international team-mate Loic Remy. Everton have also expressed an interest in M’vila, although initially on a loan basis.

Mario Balotelli’s agent has said Manchester City are not in talks with any other club over the sale of the striker and insisted there was no chance that he would leave the Etihad stadium this month. Balotelli is a target for AC Milan, but the Serie A club wants Manchester City to drop their 37 million Euros asking price for the Italy international.

Tags: AC Milan, Galatasaray, Manchester City, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, Montpellier, Newcastle, QPR, Rubin Kazan, Toronto FC, Transfer Update, Wesley Sneijder