Sky Sports journalist: Newcastle defender deal hits the skids
By Danny Wright
Newcastle's move for Chelsea defender Kenedy is dead in the water, according to a reliable journalist.
Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie was quoted on the broadcaster's live transfer blog on Thursday [04:05pm] that the deal for the Stamford Bridge flyer to join the Magpies is off.
It is understood that Newcastle saw Kenedy, 20, as a back-up option at left-back while Paul Dummett was injured.
Downie didn't make it clear why the deal for the Brazilian youngster has hit the skids, but it may be linked to Chelsea's inability to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who Antonio Conte saw as an option to play in the wing-back role this season, after he signed for Liverpool on deadline day.
The Sky Sports journalist did add that Southampton's Matthew Targett is very much on the Magpies' radar with just hours left until the transfer window slams shut and is currently Rafa Benitez's No 1 priority.
“Matt Targett is their number one target right now. They wanted Kenedy as cover for Paul Dummett at left-back but that deal is now off," said Downie.
“They’re trying to bring Targett in on a season-long loan. Rafa Benitez is busy here at the training ground trying to finalise a few deals right now.”
Football Insider Verdict
Kenedy would have been a decent addition for Newcastle but it seems that Chelsea's disappointing transfer window has had a knock on effect for the Magpies. However Benitez is now on the verge of signing a promising young English player, which is a surprise given the manager's usual choice to go abroad when looking to bolster his squad. The Tyneside club definitely needs an extra body at left-back before the cut-off is passed on Thursday night due to Dummett's recent long-term lay off which could see him out until November. This could be a very good signing for the Magpies.
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