Report: Newcastle United agree to loan Kenedy from Chelsea

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The versatile 21-year-old is poised to become Rafael Benitez’s first signing of the January window.

Sky Sports are reporting that Newcastle United have agreed a deal in principle to sign Kenedy on loan from Chelsea for the remainder of the season.

The 21-year-old has been one of Rafael Benitez’s top transfer targets this January but a move has been delayed by uncertainty over Newcastle’s ownership.

As The Independent reports, owner Mike Ashley has now walked away from takeover talks with businesswoman Amanda Staveley and promised Benitez funds to spend before the window closes.

The Magpies are 15th in the Premier League, two points above the relegation zone, with largely the same squad which won them promotion from the Championship.

Kenedy, who is capable of playing as a full-back of winger down the left side, will be a useful addition to a group that is short on both numbers and quality.

The Brazilian has made 27 appearances for Chelsea, scoring three goals and three assists, but is yet to feature for the Blues in the Premier League this term.

Watford took the youngster on loan from Stamford Bridge last season, but he only made one substitute outing despite the Hornets using a divison-high 33 players.

Kenedy’s move to St James’ Park is expected to be sanctioned when Chelsea complete the signing of Roma full-back Emerson Palmeiri, according to Sky Sports.