OPINION
Newcastle are getting closer to a deal with Chelsea attacker Kenedy, according to the Daily Telegraph, and it would mark a massive summer success for Rafa Benitez in what looks like being another frustrating transfer window.
The Telegraph claim that it looks likely that Kenedy will sign for Newcastle now – on a season-long loan with an option to make the deal permanent at the end of the season.
It looked like the deal might have been in trouble last week, as the Echo claimed that Chelsea had wanted to se this fee at £30million, which would have been seen as prohibitive by Newcastle.
However, the latest news gives Benitez a massive boost and it appears that the sticking point over fee has been bypassed successfully.
The 22-year-old impressed in his stint at St James’ Park last season and there’s a real hope that he will kick on next season, after settling in well under Benitez.
Everyone knows the budget problems that Benitez has, but with the limited funds at his disposal, he looks like he’s going to land a player who could well go on to be one of the best attacking players in the league.
Chelsea paid £7.25million for him in 2015 from Fluminense. If Newcastle have managed to negotiate a permanent option for around £20million, they might have got themselves one of the bargains of the summer.
Until Mike Ashley leaves and new owners come in, this is going to be as good as it gets for Newcastle, and fans will be delighted if the deal gets done.
