By support

12th Mar, 2018 | 12:29pm

'Sign him in the summer', 'Yessss' - Newcastle fans urge Benitez to seal deal for 22-year-old

Newcastle United supporters are keen to tie down January transfer loanee Kenedy on a permanent deal this summer following the weekend’s win at St James’ Park.

The Magpies secured an important three points on Saturday at home against Southampton with a 3-0 victory, giving them some breathing space in the fight to ensure their Premier League status for next season.

Maximum points against the Saints saw Rafa Benitez’ side jump up to 13th in the table, with a five-point gap now between themselves and Crystal Palace in 17th.

Meanwhile, Mauricio Pellegrino’s men are just one point above the drop.

And Kenedy starred in the victory, opening the scoring after only 63 seconds of football with a great finish, collecting Jonjo Shelvey’s pass, then turning, spinning and shooting past Alex McCarthy.

A counter-attack from a Southampton corner just before the half-hour mark gave the 22-year-old Brazilian his second opportunity and he took full advantage, notching up his second of the game.

It was the Chelsea loanee’s first goals for the club in only his sixth outing for Benitez’ side and supporters are so happy with the midfielder’s performances for the Tyneside club, they are keen to see the attacker sign permanently.

Here is a selection of Twitter messages from supporters wanting the Brazilian to stay at St James’:

In other Newcastle United news, ‘Very hard week’ Magpies ace sends out tragic message to fans after Southampton win.