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Newcastle will try to land Chelsea winger Kenedy on a permanent deal.

Rafa Benitez will have to pay up to £15m for the Brazilian who has helped lift United away from relegation trouble.

Kenedy scored twice against Southampton at the weekend and has made six league starts – more than he made in two and a half years at Chelsea.

The 22-year-old has admitted he is open to the prospect of staying on Tyneside long term if they stay in the Premier League.

(Image: Serena Taylor) (Image: Mark Runnacles)

He has added composure and a burst of skill to United’s attack, and says he wants to “take the opportunity” Newcastle have provided.

Benitez said: “It’s more than his energy and pace, he is a player who is comfortable on the ball.

“His delivery, his crosses and set pieces, he is somebody who is different and he is a player playing with confidence now.

(Image: REUTERS)

“His goals will help that. We already had a bit of pace with Atsu and Murphy and the ability and work rate of Ritchie, but Kenedy is good on the ball, he does not give it away easily and he gives us more control.”

Chelsea refused Newcastle first option to buy Kenedy when he was loaned in January.

Benietz said: “Can we keep him after the end of the season? I think at the moment we have to make sure we enjoy him while he is here.

(Image: PA) (Image: PA)

“His attutude has been fine. We have an advantage because, although Spanish and Portuguese are not the same, they have very similar words so this helps me speak to him.

“He has slotted in very well and, to be fair, the atmosphere between players is very good.

“He is a young player, he is quiet, but he has a good relationship with all the players. There are some players he can talk with a little bit more, he can speak Portuguese with them.

“He has the possibility to express himself here. He wants to play football and he is doing that really well.”