Journalist reveals the exciting double-deal Benitez is trying to negotiate with Chelsea
Rafa Benitez is pushing to secure a double deal with Chelsea according to the Chronicle's Chris Waugh, who claims the Spaniard is hoping to sign Ruben Loftus Cheek on loan AND Kenedy on a permanent deal this summer.
Our interest in bringing Kenedy back to St James' Park is clear, however claims that Benitez wants both him AND Loftus Cheek (on loan) are exciting - although our chances of signing both seem slim at best.
A loan deal for one of the two seems like the most realistic option for NUFC (you can only loan one player from a single Premier League club), but the Chronicle now claim that Benitez will try to sign BOTH - by signing Kenedy permanently and loaning Loftus Cheek.
Here's what Chris Waugh has has to say when discussing Benitez's plans to recruit from Chelsea once again this summer:
"Rafa Benitez wants to sign at least one player from Chelsea this summer on loan - and a reunion with winger Kenedy is the top priority.
"However, Newcastle could look to sign the Brazilian on a permanent basis, then attempt to lure Loftus-Cheek on loan, given that he is a long-term target.
"Interestingly, The Daily Mail cites a £25million price tag for Loftus-Cheek if Chelsea decide to cash in on the midfielder - who has three years remaining on his Stamford Bridge deal - and such a fee may prove beyond Newcastle this summer, which is why a loan deal to St James’ Park would prove more attractive to United."
IF (and it's a big if) we can secure Kenedy on a permanent deal, then we'll able to bring in another player from Chelsea on loan and it looks like Loftus Cheek is someone Rafa is desperate to have for the season - and it's easy to see why.
He impressed at Palace last year, looked bright during his cameo for England on Monday and could be the perfect answer to our problems in the number 10 role.
That being said, our slim chances of signing him will be reduced furhter if A) he continues to impress at the World Cup or B) Chelsea's eventual boss decides to use him next season - although it sounds like he'll only stay if he's playing regularly and I can't see him getting that at Chelsea just yet.
I'm not holding my breath, but the arrival of these two would be brilliant - however you can't help but think it's the sort of double-deal we could only dream of while Ashley is in charge.
