Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez is eyeing moves for several Chelsea players this summer, according to the Chronicle.
The regional newspaper report that Benitez holds interest in England star Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Brazilian winger Kenedy, who spent half of last season on loan at St. James’ Park.
The Chronicle claim that Benitez however is also interested in ‘a few’ other Blues players, although the report does not name those in question.
OPINION
This is an exciting snippet of information for the Toon Army, although the players which Benitez is interested in are not named. You would think that Benitez would have his eye on some of the Blues’ young players, many of whom would add much-needed competition at St. James’ Park. Potential players in question are attacking midfielder Mason Mount, who had a brilliant season on loan in the Netherlands, and Tammy Abraham, who was previously a target for the club. The priority though has to first lie in a return for Kenedy, who was one of the Magpies’ best performers in 2017/18. The young Brazilian provided much-needed impetus after arriving in January, and a return for a full campaign would be a massive coup for the club. A move for England star Loftus-Cheek would be similarly impressive, with the 22-year-old having the potential to go on and become a club legend on Tyneside. If either of those go through it would be massive for Newcastle, and any other Chelsea swoops would be welcome bonuses.