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Newcastle United are hopeful of signing two players this week as they look to give Rafa Benitez the transfer boost he’s looking for before the window closes for business.

Benitez has made it clear that signings - not his own future - is his priority and the Magpies are hoping to have at least one signing on board in time for the trip to Chelsea this weekend.

United chiefs have contacted Chelsea again to see where they stand on Kenedy with all of the required paperwork completed for the deal and just the green light from Antonio Conte required.

Kenedy would then undergo a medical on Tyneside, but there may be another piece of business done in due course with a striker within United’s sights.

We understand that negotiations are underway for a new front man and it is believed that the selling club will expect Newcastle to break their current transfer fee of £16million IF the Magpies can pull it off.

If Newcastle were successful it would at least show Rafa Benitez that Mike Ashley had been as good as his word when it comes to January backing.

United can make two Premier League loans and bring in a third loanee from abroad.

Sources at Newcastle have also refused to dismiss a loan deal for Sandro Ramirez - the Everton striker the Magpies attempted to sign in the summer.