OPINION
Not only do Newcastle United fans have to contend with the prospect of disappointment in the January transfer market but they know that every day that passes is another day until manager Rafael Benitez leaves St James’ Park.
The Spanish boss is a favourite on Tyneside but with a contract that runs out in the coming summer – and no signs that he is close to penning a new deal – he looks to be focused on securing Premier League survival and nothing else for the Magpies.
One area of frustration has been the lack of backing from Newcastle’s top brass over his recruitment targets, Newcastle often looking towards bargain raids or loan moves to seal the talent he wants – and that will do nothing in keeping him at the club.
With January, and thus the winter window, upon the Premier League, the Chronicle report that Benitez’s “dream target” would be Chelsea’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek – a move which would only be a loan, rather than anything permanent.
The problem for Newcastle is that they already have two loan signings from English sides – Kenedy and Salomon Rondon – on their books, the maximum allowed, which is why Loftus-Cheek appears out of reach for the Magpies.
Really though, the midfielder would be an exceptional signing for Newcastle and would show the sort of ambition Benitez has been crying out for, which is why they need to sanction a shock swap deal in sending the out-of-form Kenedy back to Stamford Bridge and taking the English maestro to St James’ Park.
Not only would it boost Newcastle’s chances of survival this season, it would give Benitez reason to keep faith that the top brass share his ambitions and to convince him to stay at the Magpies past the end of his current deal.