Rafa ‘looking at options for every position’
NEWCASTLE United have been told to wait until next week to learn whether they have been successful in their loan bid for Chelsea winger Kenedy (left).
The deal remains at the paperwork stage after the player made it clear he wanted the temporary move to St James’ Park to get game-time and United contacted the Blues to push the deal through.
However, after expecting to get RAFA Benitez has revealed Newcastle United are currently looking at options in EVERY position on the pitch during the January window.
The Newcastle United boss admitted he still doesn’t know how much he has to spend, but he is exploring a number of different deals and some players could be move on to facilitate incoming signings.
With some big fees splashed out already in the winter trading period, Newcastle may have to break their transfer record £17million for Michael Owen - if they are to get an exciting deal done before the window shuts.
When asked if this was realistic, considering slow progress so far, Benitez told the Chronicle: “It depends on positions.
“We’re looking everywhere for everything. It is not just about looking for transfers with big fees, we can loan if it is necessary. It has to be the right player.
“The prices are so high now that if you want to sign exactly what you need and what you want, if is an offensive player - you’d have to pay big money.
“It could happen but at the the loan deal sealed this week, United were told that Antonio Conte had still not given the green light.
It is believed that Conte does not want to allow Kenedy to go on loan until he has a new face through the door in the January window. Chelsea have signed Ross Barkley from Everton for £15million but he still wants extra cover through the door.
Kenedy could be held back to play in Chelsea’s FA Cup replay against moment I don’t know. I just have confidence that by January 31 we will do what we have to do. “We have to wait because we still can’t do everything we want.” Benitez has not spoken to owner Mike Ashley since before Christmas and admitted that things had not gone as planned this week on the recruitment front. He went on: “I have spoken with him in the past a few weeks ago. “I talk to Lee Charnley every single day about targets and options, without progressing too much. But I am talking to him.” And when asked if any of the deals he had in mind were close, he responded: “No - no closer than last week. “It’s the still the same situation (for Kenedy) we have to wait.” Benitez made it clear that players would not be sold unless they have replacements lined up – with Chancel Mbemba and Jonjo Shelvey both linked with moves to West Ham United again in the last 24 hours. Rafa Benitez Norwich City next week, while the Blues have also been linked with a move for Juventus’ leftsided player Alex Sandro.
When asked about transfers, Conte said: “I don’t know. The club knows very well my opinion.
“This is the best way, to speak with the club, to give my opinion if we need other players, to improve the numbers of the squad.” Dennis Praet