The Chronicle have revealed that Kenedy isn’t the only Chelsea player Rafa Benitez is keen to sign this summer – with Newcastle ‘monitoring’ Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s situation ahead of a potential loan move this summer.
The 22-year-old was a player Benitez tried to bring to St James’ Park on loan last summer, however he ended up going to Palace and caught the eye of Gareth Southgate as a result.
We could not loan both Kenedy and Loftus Cheek, but if the Brazilian signed on a permanent or ended up going elsewhere then a loan deal would make a lot of sense – IF possible.
Here’s what the Chronicle have had to say on our interest:
“Newcastle United retain an interest in Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek and are continuing to monitor his situation at Stamford Bridge this summer.
“The 22-year-old spent last term on loan at Crystal Palace and has made it clear he wants regular first-team football again next season.
“United were interested in the Loftus-Cheek before he opted to switch to Selhurst Park.
“Loftus-Cheek, who was a surprise pick in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the finals in Russia, will wait until after the tournament to decide his future.
“Newcastle could make a loan swoop for Loftus-Cheek this summer depending on how their midfield looks should Mikel Merino decide he is ready to quit St James’ Park.”
A good World Cup and it seems pretty unlikely as he could be given a chance to play at Chelsea, but he’d be someone who could be ideal in our team if he was available.
We lack someone to really drive us on in the number 10 role and he would give us exactly that. We’d do well to pull it off, but he’ll have seen how much Kenedy came on under Benitez’s watchful eye, so who knows.
