Report: Rafa Benitez ready to reject chance to sign Kenedy at Newcastle

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Newcastle United will not try to sign Kenedy for a third time when his loan spell expires, according to The Northern Echo.

Kenedy is on a season-long loan from Chelsea, his second temporary stint at St James’ Park after his success last season.

Rafa Benitez enjoyed using Kenedy in his first spell with Newcastle, given the player’s ability to operate as a left-back, wing-back, central midfielder or as a winger.

He scored twice and assisted two more goals in 13 Premier League matches to earn himself a return to the North East this season.

But the 23-year-old has failed to live up to expectations this term, with mixed displays and only one goal and one assist in 22 Premier League outings.

Benitez is therefore not willing to turn Kenedy’s deal into a permanent one, nor pursue a third loan stint, when he returns to Chelsea.

The versatile Brazilian now faces an uncertain future with his chances of breaking into the Chelsea team looking slim despite their transfer ban.

Newcastle do not want to re-sign him and Kenedy might be forced to move abroad to resurrect his stuttering career.

At the start of the season, many Newcastle fans were calling for a permanent deal but this latest news will not come as a great shame now after a poor campaign.