OPINION
Newcastle United are unsurprisingly attempting to secure a return to Tyneside for Chelsea flyer Kenedy, who played a huge part in their resurgent form in the second half of the 2017/18 season.
The 22-year-old was a revelation on the wing for the Magpies, and the club are now in talks with Chelsea over a deal to bring him back to St. James’ Park this summer.
As reported by Evening Standard journalist Simon Johnson, the Toon have opened discussions with the Blues, who are said to want more than £20million for the Brazilian.
Johnson claims that the two clubs have discussed a loan deal with an option to buy after Newcastle were put off by Chelsea’s high asking price, with Kenedy not looking part of the Blues’ plans for the future.
#cfc are in talks with #nufc over departure of Kenedy. A loan with option to buy has been discussed. Chelsea are asking for £20m+ which is why Newcastle are looking to loan first. But fact Chelsea are open to negotiations suggests he’s not part of their plans.
— Simon Johnson (@SJohnsonSport) July 2, 2018
And, with lines of communication now well and truly open with Chelsea, the Magpies must use this brilliant opportunity to push for multiple loan deals from the Blues.
The club have been linked with moves for the likes of England midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek and attacking starlet Kasey Palmer this summer, as reported by the Shields Gazette.
They must now be clever in talks and attempt to include a loan for Loftus-Cheek and/or Palmer in the Kenedy deal, or at least make their interest in these other talents known to the Blues.
Manager Rafa Benitez is being forced into bargain hunting again this summer by owner Mike Ashley, and it is clever moves like this which will help him succeed in such tough circumstances.
Chelsea will surely be looking for places where there young players can develop at the highest level, and Benitez can use his contacts at the club to convince the Blues of Newcastle’s suitability as a destination.
A deal for Loftus-Cheek would be particularly beneficial for Newcastle, with the 22-year-old set for a huge season after his exploits with England at the World Cup.
This is now a perfect opportunity for Newcastle to try and secure several quality deals this summer, and they must grasp it with both hands to give the club a timely boost in what has been a lacklustre summer so far.
