According to the Guardian, Chelsea are close to securing the £29m signing of Porto left-back Alex Telles – meaning Kenedy’s proposed loan move to NUFC should now be activated if and when the deal is completed.
It has been confirmed by various outlets (local and national) that a loan deal for Kenedy is all agreed betwen Newcastle and Chelsea, however it’s been known that his move will only go through once Antonio Conte finds a replacement.
Fortunately for us, that replacement looks close to arriving, with widespread reports – including one from the reliable Guardian – claiming that Chelsea are now close to agreeing a deal for Porto’s Alex Telles; a left-sided full-back who will be undoubtedly seen as his replacement.
I don't know when but it's all agreed in terms of numbers etc. Kenedy wants to come & Rafa planning for his arrival. Just need Chelsea to sign off.
— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) January 2, 2018
Kenedy put in an unconvincing performance in the FA Cup when handed a chance against Norwich over the weekend, however he is a player Rafa has clearly wanted, with us having made attempts to sign him towards the end of the summer (only for Chelsea to block it after failing to find a replacement).
Hopefully we see Telles holding up the Chelsea shirt ASAP. That will be the biggest indicator yet that Kenedy will be on his way.