Newcastle move for Southampton ace Matt Targett as move for Chelsea bad boy Kenedy threatens to fall through
Antonio Conte had to send the Brazilian home from the club's pre-season tour of China after he accidentally insulted the fans
NEWCASTLE have made a shock loan approach for Southampton left-back Matt Targett - in case they fail to sign Chelsea's Kenedy.
The Toon have sounded out the Saints about the availability of Targett, 21, who is yet to feature this season.
But the England Under-21 international is just a back-up option at this stage as Rafa Benitez has not given up hope of landing Kenedy.
The Newcastle boss has been in talks over the Blues' Brazilian bad boy, 21, all month.
But Kenedy's loan departure depends on Chelsea bringing in reinforcements today.
And Newcastle's chances have not been helped by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain choosing Liverpool over Stamford Bridge.
That has led to the Toon's move for Targett, who is behind Ryan Bertrand and Sam McQueen in the Saints' pecking order.
Newcastle are desperate for a left-back with Paul Dummett out injured until October.
Centre-half Chancel Mbemba, 23, had to fill in at full-back in Saturday's 3-0 win over West Ham.
Kenedy caused outrage during the Blues‘ tour to the Far East by posting a string of offensive posts, including one captioned: “F***ing China."
The Brazilian was sent home from the money-spinning trip and was pictured cutting a lonely figure as he trained on his own at Chelsea’s Cobham base.
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An apology from the Blues read: “Kenedy’s actions were a mistake that he will learn greatly from.
“His behaviour does not represent the entire team and does not align with the club’s high expectations and strict requirements of its young players.
“He has been strongly reprimanded and disciplined.”