UK Edition
Newcastle close in on Chelsea winger Kenedy but face frustrating end to transfer window
Newcastle United are still hoping to make another two signings before the close of the transfer window, although there is a growing a possibility they will have to make do with a loan deal for Chelsea’s Brazilian winger Kenedy.
Kenedy, 21, should arrive on Tyneside as soon as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain completes his move from Arsenal to Stamford Bridge, but although Newcastle have the money to complete at least one more permanent transfer, confidence is fading fast.
They have been considering an offer for Paris St-Germain goalkeeper Kevin Trapp, but that interest has cooled and, although the club will keep a close eye on the market in the final 48 hours of the window, they will not panic buy.
An approach to loan Belgian striker Divock Origi from Liverpool was made last week, but Newcastle were unable to guarantee the 22-year-old would be first choice, so talks did not continue.
A deal might have been revived if Newcastle had sold top goalscorer Dwight Gayle, but although Leeds United have expressed an interest, the former Crystal Palace striker has told manager Rafa Benitez he wants to stay.
Gayle had not impressed Benitez with his attitude in recent weeks and was dropped from the squad for the 3-0 home win over West Ham last weekend, but seems determined to return to favour and has promised to do whatever is necessary to get back into the team.
Newcastle’s transfer plans have been hampered all summer by the failure to sell players Benitez was confident he would be able to offload.
Benitez has been critical of owner Mike Ashley in recent weeks and hinted at broken promises when he was told he would receive every extra penny brought in by promotion back to the Premier League.
But while the transfer budget is small compared to other clubs in the top flight, Newcastle have spent around £40 million. The Daily Telegraph understands there is still some money available, but there is reluctance to spend for the sake of it.
The stumbling point has been the size of the club’s wage bill, with Ashley led to believe that far more players would leave this summer to make room for new arrivals.
That has caused his lieutenant, Justin Barnes, drafted into the club to help keep finances in order in case there was any interest in a takeover this summer, to keep a tight hold of the purse strings, frustrating both Benitez and managing director Lee Charnley.
Newcastle, though, have struggled to find clubs willing to match their asking prices and pay the same wages the unwanted players currently earn at St James’ Park.
That has created a log jam and, although centre-back Grant Hanley is on the verge of joining Championship club Norwich City and midfielder Jack Colback is wanted by Hull City, albeit on loan, time is against the Newcastle hierarchy.