RAFA BENITEZ has reportedly secured his first reinforcement for Newcastle United’s survival fight with the capture of Chelsea winger Kenedy on loan.
The Brazilian attacker is set to join the Magpies at the turn of the New Year once the transfer window re-opens.
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According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle will pay a loan fee for the man they failed to land on a permanent basis last summer.
Blues boss Antonio Conte was loathe to lose the 21-year-old back in August and decided instead he was needed at Stamford Bridge.
But Kenedy has only been used three times, all in the EFL Cup, and now the Italian has opted to allow him to leave until the end of the campaign.
His arrival will provide a huge boost to Benitez, who has been a long-term admirer of the South American.
The left flank is a position Newcastle were desperately trying to strengthen, and Kenedy is able to operate anywhere down that channel.
Chelsea signed the Under-20 international two years ago from Fluminense for £6million and he made 20 appearances in his first year under Jose Mourinho and Guus Hiddink.
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However, the stunning form of Marcos Alonso since his arrival in West London has restricted his match action.
And that means as long as Chelsea remain injury free over the festive period, then his move to St. James’ Park should be completed in early January.
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Amanda Staveley’s ongoing talks buy Newcastle from Mike Ashley remain ongoing.
That means Benitez knows that the majority of his transfer budget will have to go on loan fees and wages.
The Spaniard is believed to want to bring in three new signings to help bolster his struggling side.
The North East club have lost eight of their last nine matches.
Newcastle are now in the bottom three and head to relegation rivals and in-form West Ham on Saturday.
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