Newcastle sign Kenedy on loan

The 21-year-old, a top target during this window, will not be eligible to play against his parent club in the Fourth Round of the FA Cup on Sunday, but could make his Magpies bow against Burnley at St. James’ Park next week.

Kenedy linked up with Chelsea from Fluminense in his native Brazil in 2015, and made 20 appearances in his maiden campaign in English football.

He spent time on loan at Watford last season, and has made a handful of appearances for the Blues this term – scoring in their 5-1 Carabao Cup win over Nottingham Forest in September.

After Mirandinha, Fumaça and Cláudio Caçapa, Kenedy becomes the fourth Brazilian to play for Newcastle, and he cited boss Rafa Benítez as a key influence in his decision to move to the North East.

“I’m so happy with this opportunity at Newcastle. They’ve opened the door to me to come here, show my potential and come and play for Newcastle,” he said.

“It’s a traditional club and Rafa Benítez is a fantastic, amazing coach. Christian Atsu, as well – we trained together at Chelsea and know each other, and he said good things about the club. So it was easy to take this decision.”

Benítez added: “Kenedy is a player that we have been following since the summer. The reason we are interested is that he can play in several positions – as a winger, a wing back and also as an offensive left full back, so he gives the team many options.

“He has a great left foot and good energy. He is still a young player but he has some experience already in the Premier League and that will help with his adaptation. We welcome him to Newcastle United.”