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Newcastle United are waiting for Chelsea to sign a replacement before loan target Kenedy will be allowed to depart Stamford Bridge.

Blues manager Antonio Conte claims it will be “impossible” for Chelsea to sell or loan any of their first-team squad unless they are replaced, even though the January transfer window opened on Monday.

Conte said: "Our squad is not big. For this reason I think it's impossible to send on loan one player or to sell one player, if we don't take another player."

The Magpies agreed the framework of a loan deal for the 21-year-old during the summer, but the Blues’ inability to secure a replacement saw the move collapse - and it seems as if there is a risk of the same issue reoccurring this month too.

(Image: Getty Images Europe)

Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte, meanwhile, reports that United also face competition from Russian league leaders Lokomotiv Moscow for the 21-year-old.

Benitez is a long-term admirer of the former Brazil Under-20 international and he has contacted his former club about the versatile left-sided player and made his continued interest clear.

The Spaniard had hoped to bring Kenedy - who has made only three EFL Cup appearances for the Blues first team this season - to St James’ Park in the summer in order to bolster Newcastle’s left side.

The Magpies are short of cover at left-back - in particular they lack a player with attacking instincts who can play on the left side of defence - and the Brazilian can operate anywhere down the left flank.

Kenedy caused controversy during Chelsea’s pre-season tour of China earlier this year for his postings on social media, something which saw him slip further down the Blues’ pecking order.

It is believed that he will be allowed to leave this month, as long as a replacement is signed first.