OPINION
There is no man more important to the future of Newcastle United right now than Rafael Benitez, and he will play second fiddle only to Mike Ashley in determining how this transfer window goes for the club.
The Spanish boss has a contacts book to rival the length of any other manager’s in the game and his reputation means that anyone and everyone in the game will give him the time of day.
It worked in Newcastle’s favour last summer, where he managed to prise a bargain deal for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mikel Merino, and there will be hopes that such impressive transfer deals can be completed once again this year.
However, it appears as though the Spanish boss is not looking to carry out the same covert tactics, and is not afraid of hiding his intentions when it comes to some targets.
The Chronicle state that Benitez has held personal talks with the agent of Kenedy, the dazzling winger who lit up St James’ Park during his short loan stay on Tyneside, over a potential permanent move, and considering the former Liverpool man is conducting this business personally, it is time for Newcastle to back him.
Kenedy is a proven Premier League talent with much potential to grow and develop into a much better player, which is why the report states Chelsea could well demand £20million – a record price tag for the Magpies.
To add another hurdle to the hunt, it is stated that Champions League sides are also chasing his capture, but that wages should be no issue.
With that in mind, it is time for Ashley to give Benitez and the Toon Army what they want and to launch a swoop for the Brazilian star, and it would help in satiating the anger thrown the Sports Direct owners way over the last couple of years.