Newcastle should not match Chelsea’s huge asking price for loanee Kenedy

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Chelsea wanted £30m from Newcastle to buy Kenedy last summer before eventually settling on a loan deal, according to a report by the Chronicle.

They report that the Blues – who have made a habit of making huge sums of money from selling fringe players in recent years – demanded a £30m asking price from the Magpies if they wanted to sign the Brazilian during the summer.

Thankfully – from Newcastle’s perspective – once it reportedly became clear that he was not in Maurizio Sarri’s plans, Kenedy was allowed to leave on a temporary basis.

But the speedster has failed to hit the heights for Newcastle this season, meaning that if Chelsea want to be similarly cheeky this summer – and a third straight loan deal cannot be organised – Benitez should absolutely not go near that fee.

Newcastle have been struggling at left-back this season but Kenedy has not got a game there, with Matt Ritchie generally preferred as a makeshift option.

Meanwhile, in a side lacking speed and invention, Kenedy has not been a fixture out on the left and now Benitez has brought in a left-sided playmaker in the shape of Miguel Almiron, for a club-record fee to boot.

So Kenedy may not be a part of the plans at St James’ Park next season, especially if Chelsea’s demands remain so ludicrous.