Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez is reportedly waiting on Chelsea’s decision on Kenedy as he looks to bolster the club’s defence during the winter transfer window. The Brazilian has sparingly been used by Antonio Conte this term with most of his gametime coming in the Cup competitions.
According to Chronicle Live, Benitez is looking to do business with his former club with Kenedy identified as a potential recruit, who could strengthen their chances of Premier League survival. However, any kind of deal is yet to be sorted out with the Blues with Conte reluctant to lose Kenedy for the moment.
The Italian recently suggested in the press that the exit of any first-team player must be followed by a potential arrival, and he appears to have maintained his stance, though the club’s hierarchy are not necessarily looking to bolster the defence this month.
Marcos Alonso has done his job credibly in the left wing-back spot, and there is not much back-up behind him with Davide Zappacosta and Antonio Rudiger both being right-footed players, who have been slotted into the position when in need. As a result, the Magpies may not necessarily benefit from a loan deal for Kenedy, and this is likely to add to the frustration for Benitez, who feels he has not been backed enough by club owner Mike Ashley in the transfer market.
The ex-Real Madrid boss has openly suggested that the players are working to the best of their abilities to stay aloft in the Premier League, and the club’s potential takeover by Amanda Staveley appears to have restricted Benitez from spending in the transfer window.
Aside from Kenedy, the Magpies are also looking into a move for Blues forward Charly Musonda, who is desperate for regular gametime during the second half of the season. The Belgian only recently penned a long-term deal with the Blues, and his exit looks more likely with the club having the likes of Pedro and Willian on the bench.