OPINION
While Newcastle United fans might argue over who they think the club should be targeting over the transfer window, there is likely to be one man on everyone’s list.
The Magpies have been among the lowest spenders over the past 12 months but that did not stop them upsetting the odds and pulling off an impressive 10th placed finish, a fine achievement for a side who barely scraped their way to the Championship title the season before.
Despite their lack of financial backing from Mike Ashley, manager Rafael Benitez still managed to find a bargain or two, and although there were no permanent signings in January, the two out of three of the loan arrivals had a massive impact.
One of that pair was Brazilian winger Kenedy, the 22-year-old joining from Chelsea and having an immediate impact, his electric displays transforming the Magpies’ attack and giving them some real bite.
There is likely not a member of the Toon Army who does not believe that he should be snapped up permanently this summer, but unfortunately for the St James’ Park faithful, a hefty transfer battle appears to be ramping up, leaving the Magpies facing a serious battle to seal a deal.
The latest team to link up in the reported hunt is RB Leipzig, Goal claiming the German side are serious over a swoop and join Arsenal, PSG and Bayern Munich to prise him from Chelsea’s grasp, with it likely that a decision over his future will be made imminently.
With so many sides said to be chasing him down, Newcastle must strike early and make an imminent move to avoid heartbreak of seeing him go elsewhere, especially after how highly he spoke of his time on Tyneside.
It is now or never for Benitez – and there will be bitter disappointment if the club do not at least try and snatch him up.