---
title: "Benitez still hoping to land fan favourite on permanent deal this summer"
canonical: "https://readnewcastle.com/2018/07/02/benitez-still-hoping-to-land-fan-favourite-on-permanent-deal-this-summer/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ryan Darby"
section: "Feature Writers"
published: "2018-07-02T10:24:37Z"
modified: "2018-07-02T10:24:37Z"
---

# Benitez still hoping to land fan favourite on permanent deal this summer

Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez is still holding out hope he can secure a permanent deal to sign Kenedy from Chelsea.

[The Telegraph](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/07/01/newcastle-united-weighing-bid-andros-townsend-sell-matt-ritchie/)reports that the Brazilian winger remains firmly in Benitez’s sights after he enjoyed a fruitful loan spell at the club last season.

Chelsea are open to selling Kenedy this summer, but interest is likely to mount as other clubs become aware of his availability, something that may price Newcastle out of a deal.

![Mark Runnacles/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readnewcastle.com/readnewcastle/sites/20/2018/07/930112668.jpg)

Benitez is in the market for a new winger, with Kenedy and Andros Townsend both transfer targets.

Scottish international Matt Ritchie is attracting interest from Stoke and Middlesbrough, which could raise enough funds to secure a deal for either of the aforementioned targets.

During his time at the club, Kenedy became a hit with the fans at St James’ Park for his pace and trickery on the ball. He went on to play a key role in helping the Magpies avoid relegation back to the Championship.