Journalist reveals Rafa’s ‘dream’ January target – but it can only happen if Kenedy’s loan is cancelled

In a recent transfer piece for the Chronicle, Mark Douglas has revealed that Ruben Loftus Cheek is ‘Benitez’s dream target’ – however any ambitious loan deal will only be possible if Kenedy returns to Chelsea.

He’s clearly a player Rafa has tried to sign over the last few windows, but it’s hard to see how he’d pull it off this time.

Not only have we used up both domestic loans slots on Rondon and Kenedy, Premier League rules do not allow you to have two players on loan from the same club at once – meaning Kenedy’s temporary move to Tyneside would have to be cancelled.

Here’s a snippet from the Chronicle’s transfer piece, which features ’12 deals to keep an eye on’ in January:

‘Benitez’s dream target. He had a move for the England midfielder lined up two years ago but when Newcastle opted not to do any dealing in the Championship promotion season he missed out on him and Andros Townsend.

‘Would only become an option if that domestic loan slot was available.’

In all honesty, I’m sure Benitez would happily send the Brazlian back to Chelsea if it meant Ruben Loftus Cheek could arrive in his place, however the chances of him being let go and choosing us (given all the options he’d have) seem incredibly low right now.

It’s the sort of signing that could transform our second half of the season and give us some much needed quality and drive from that problem no.10 position, but it’s probably a ‘dream target’ for a reason..

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