Rafa Benitez has said that a deal for Chelsea attacker is imminent and could go through in the next few hours.
As quoted by the Chronicle’s chief football writer, Lee Ryder, Benitez said that the deal was just down to getting the paperwork finalised now and it would be announced either tonight or tomorrow.
Kenedy deal is “very close” says Rafa Benitez. Either tonight or tomorrow depending on paperwork #nufc
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) July 10, 2018
Another Chronicle journalist Chris Waugh added that Benitez had also said that Jamaal Lascelles is not for sale, in the face of a reported bid from West Ham by Sky Sports.
He also said that Benitez was looking for more goals from Kenedy next season and that he wanted more new signings over the summer window.
Rafa has just confirmed that Lascelles is not for sale – also said Kenedy deal is “very close” & is pleased to be working with the Brazilian again, but has challenged him to score more goals. Wants further signings too, but Kenedy is the one that’s close #nufc
— Chris Waugh (@ChrisDHWaugh) July 10, 2018
OPINION
Newcastle fans can look forward to the sight of Kenedy attacking opposition defences next season, and with pre-season in front of him, Benitez is clearly expecting even more from the Chelsea player this season. He scored two goals in 13 games last season, but now he’s fully fit and ready to play the whole season in black and white. It’s an exciting prospect and Benitez has clearly set out what he expects from the 22-year-old. Newcastle fans will also be happy to hear that Benitez has no intention of letting Lascelles go anywhere in the next few weeks. More signings are needed at St James’ Park and losing Lascelles would be, quite frankly, a disaster at this stage of the transfer window. Benitez wants more goals from Kenedy but what he really needs is a new striker – one who can guarantee at least 15 goals in the Premier League. They don’t come cheap though, unless Benitez can uncover a gem that no one knows about.
