Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez would like to keep Kenedy at St. James’ Park next season, but fears Chelsea will play the waiting game.
The Northern Echo report that Newcastle are ‘ready to make contact’ with Chelsea over a deal for the Brazilian, who has impressed since his January switch to Tyneside.
However, his form has attracted other potential suitors, with European giants Bayern Munich and Paris Saint Germain both being linked to the player.
The 22-year-old has made nine starts for the Toon, scoring twice and providing a constant source of creativity.
Speaking about the player, Benitez said:
Chelsea, I am sure they will say wait. Chelsea has a lot of confidence in the lad. When we tried to bring him last summer, we couldn’t. The lad wanted to play, but was in a top side. We pushed and it was impossible. We were ready in January. I was worried because it was taking too long. We had to be sure we could do it and we did it and now we have to see.
Kenedy cost the Blues £6.3m in 2015, having impressed in his native Brazil with Fluminese.
With Newcastle having secured their Premier League status for next season, Benitez is keen to push the club forward, but will require owner Mike Ashley to provide more funds if he is to do so.
