Newcastle United may have to make do with any loan deal for Kenedy in the summer transfer window.
Newcastle have taken Kenedy on loan from Chelsea until the end of the season, and the Brazilian has made a major impact at St. James’ Park.
Kenedy has immediately broken into Newcastle’s starting line-up, with Benitez rating the winger highly.
Kenedy has also suggested that a move back to Newcastle would appeal to him next season.
And Benitez has suggested that he wants to bring Kenedy back to Newcastle next term, although signing him on a permanent deal is unlikely.
“I have seen the interview and what he said. I know his agent, so the point with him is that he’s doing well,’ said Benitez, who had wanted to sign Kenedy last summer,” Benitez said.
“I am happy because we’ve been winning and he’s been scoring goals and that’s fantastic for us and really good news for him.
“The situation is that Chelsea need to know where they will finish and we need to know where we will finish. There is plenty of time to talk.
“But if you’re asking me (if loan is perhaps best option), I’d say yes, you’d have to ask them as well.
“It wasn’t easy to bring him here and it won’t be easy to bring him here again.”
Chelsea may well want to keep Kenedy, considering his impressive form for Newcastle this term.
However, Kenedy’s performances have attracted attention from elsewhere – with PSG and Bayern Munich both said to be interested.
Kenedy has helped Newcastle survive in the Premier League, with Benitez’s side now on 41 points.
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