Transfer talk – a round-up of today’s NUFC news & gossip – 12/07/2018

A round up of all of today’s news & transfer gossip:

• It’s official – Newcastle United have confirmed the signing of Kenedy, with the Chelsea winger agreeing to a season-long loan deal which will see him spend the 2018/19 season at St James’ Park - See full story & unveiling video here. 
• Since completing the move, the Brazilian has immediately thanked NUFC fans for their incredible support, admitting that he is ‘so happy’ to be back in Newcastle – the place he now calls his ‘second home’ - Read his brilliant interview here. 
• Newcastle United have confirmed that Mikel Merino has now completed a move to Real Sociedad, with the 22-year-old returning to Spain and signing a five-year deal after the La Liga side activated his £10m release clause - Full story here. 
• Rafa Benitez has opened up about Mikel Merino's NUFC exit, suggesting he was only prepared to sign for Newcastle if a release clause was added into his contract – meaning we were always powerless to losing him for just £10m - Full story here. 
• Some bad news has emerged on Benitez’s hunt for a new striker, with alleged ‘top target’ Alassane Plea now travelling to Germany ahead of a £22m move to Borussia Monchengladbach - Full story here. 

• Fulham have today completed a £35m deal to sign  Jean Michael Seri - a signing that will send a huge reality check for Benitez, Ashley and NUFC - Full story here. 
• According to reports in Turkey, Newcastle United have ‘made an offer’ to bring Georginio Wijnaldum back to the club – with the Liverpool midfielder said to be considering his future at Anfield after the signings of Fabinho and Keita - Full story here. 
• As revealed by The Mag, Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct have been found guilty of charging Newcastle United fans more for their home shirt than any other Premier League club – a shameless move from the NUFC owner - Full story here. 
• According to the Northern Echo, NUFC outcast Chancel Mbemba has been told not to return to training by Rafa Benitez – even though he is STILL waiting to complete a potential move to Porto - Full story here. 
• Rafa Benitez has released a statement on his official website after confirmation of Kenedy’s return today, welcoming the Brazilian back and admitting that ‘every single NUFC fan’ will be delighted to see him signed - Full story here. 
• According to the Mirror, Newcastle have ‘expressed an interest’ in signing West Ham’s Domingos Quina – the highly-rated Portuguese midfielder who could be set to leave the London Stadium this summer - Full story here.