Newcastle have been repeatedly linked with a move for the Chelsea left-footer.
Former Newcastle United striker Micky Quinn has claimed in his Evening Chronicle column that the Toon are yet to sign Chelsea’s Kenedy, among other targets, because of owner Mike Ashley.
The Chronicle reported earlier this week that Newcastle remain interested in signing the Chelsea fringe player, with the only stumbling block being that the Blues want to sign a replacement for the 21-year-old first.
But Quinn believes there is more to it than that, as he criticised Ashley’s lack of planning prior to the transfer window. He claims that the Toon are yet to agree on a January budget, and that is forcing Benitez to hold back on a deal.
Benitez needs more than just a left-back, with a goalkeeper and a striker also required. But without knowing his budget, he does not know what he can afford to offer Chelsea while keeping money aside for other recruits, according to Quinn.
“How can a football club get four days into the January window, which only lasts for 31 days, and still not have decided upon a transfer budget?” Quinn said. “It is laughable.
“He can’t go and commit to signing someone like Kenedy at Chelsea, because if he does that then he might be left without any money for wages in order to sign the striker he desperately needs.”
Kenedy remains on the fringes at Stamford Bridge despite shining in the games that he has played, proving a crucial part of the Blues’ Carabao Cup campaign as he has played in all three rounds, and even scored against Nottingham Forest.
However, with Marcos Alonso shining in Antonio Conte’ best side, first-team football is far from guaranteed. It remains to be seen if Benitez can get a deal done, despite Quinn’s assessment.
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